The following statement is from the Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

“Our government is committed to strengthening police oversight through a modern, transparent, and independent framework. Our goal is to implement community-driven civilian oversight of police services, including establishing an independent police board. This board will be civilian led, politically neutral, and reflective of the province’s diverse communities.

It is vital to engage and consult with key stakeholders to ensure any future oversight regime engages best practices guided by the priorities of the communities they serve. In my first months as Minister, I have taken every opportunity to speak to stakeholders.

The department is looking at the various models that exist, and we will implement the model that best fits our province’s unique policing structure. We will undertake a thorough review to ensure the Law Enforcement Oversight Commission Act is appropriate, effective and aligned with provincial needs.

Our priority is to establish an oversight model that complements, rather than duplicates, the work of SIRT NL and strengthens public confidence in policing.

We remain committed to an oversight model that supports the public, police, and communities across the province. Taking the time now to ensure the Act is comprehensive will lead to stronger long-term outcomes and a trusted police oversight system, which promotes confidence in police officers across the province working every day to promote safer communities for all of us.”

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