Media Release

Councillor Adams Says Police Presence Strong in Spryfield

(Friday, July 9, 2004) Councillor Steve Adams spoke out today against the allegations by MLA Michelle Raymond that a greater police presence is needed in the Spryfield area in the wake of two high profile crimes this week .

Councillor Adams said" Halifax Regional Police do have a strong presence in Spryfield and have an existing community police office located in the South Centre Mall. Several initiatives have been undertaken out of that office to establish a closer link with the community including the "Citizens on Patrol" and "Adopt-A-Neighbourhood" and "Neighbourhood Watch" programs." He added,"Spryfield has had this false reputation as a tough neighbourhood, which I have worked diligently to dispel and I think the weekly crime statistics published in the local newspapers clearly show that Spryfield is one of the safer areas in HRM. I'm not sure what information Ms. Raymond has seen".

Councillor Adams stated further that" Ms. Raymond has said she is concerned that the constituency is divided between HRP and Tantallon RCMP and that Regional Council should allocate more money for policing in this area however, this shouldn't be an issue as police are in the area and respond from their cars not from a particular police station". Also the population of Spryfield hasn't increased at the rate of some other areas so the need for policing here hasn't actually increased ".

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Contact:

Councillor Steve Adams
District 18
Spryfield- Herring Cove
Cell: 497-8818