About the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners
The Halifax Board of Police Commissioners provides civilian governance and oversight for the Halifax Regional Police on behalf of Regional Council. The Board also functions as a Police Advisory Board to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax District as it performs contractual policing services within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The legislated mandate and responsibilities of Board of Police Commissioners is established by the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia, and set out in the Police Act , as well as the Board's Terms of Reference (By-Law P-100).
The Board of Police Commissioners Policy Manual provides further information regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Board in fulfilling its mandate to provide civilian governance and oversight of police services provided within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Board of Police Commissioners' meetings are held in Accordance with Administrative Policy One, The Procedures of the Board Of Police Commissioners Administrative Policy [PDF]. The Board of Police Commissioners normally meets on the first Wednesday of each month, at 1:00 p.m. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendar below, and the agenda (once available) to confirm the exact date and time for each meeting.
Find out what’s happening at board meetings and learn how you can participate.
Learn about the HRM Police Services Code of Conduct.
Learn about the Wortley (Street Checks) report and the Board of Police Commissioners.
The Subcommittee on Defunding the Police presented their report to the Board of Police Commissioners on January 17, 2022. Read the report and watch the meeting video. Learn more about the Subcommittee.
News release – Release of the Halifax Independent Civilian Review Into August 18, 2021 Encampment Evictions
September 4, 2024 (Halifax, NS) – The Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality has discussed The Halifax Independent Civilian Review Into August 18, 2021 Encampment Evictions and have directed that it be provided to Regional Council for their review.
In terms of next steps, the Board has directed that Halifax Regional Police initiate an assessment of the Review and provide a report to the Board. It has also recommended that Regional Council request a report from the Chief Administrative Officer.
Read the full news release here.
Read The Halifax Independent Civilian Review Into August 18, 2021 Encampment Evictions here.
Statement from the Board of Police Commissioners regarding independent review
May 3, 2023 (Halifax, NS) – The Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality has commissioned an independent civilian review of the issues relating to the Board’s oversight, governance and policy responsibilities that arise out of the response by Halifax Regional Police (HRP) to protests on August 18, 2021.
Board of Police Commissioners Meetings
Membership and biographies
- Commissioner Becky Kent (Councillor, District 3) - Chair
- Commissioner Lindell Smith (Councillor, District 8)
- Commissioner Lisa Blackburn (Councillor, District 14)
- Commissioner Yemi Akindoju
- Commissioner Gavin Giles - Vice Chair
- Commissioner Greg O'Malley
Staff contact for the Board of Police Commissioners
Jamie D'Angelo
Legislative Assistant
Jamie.DAngelo@halifax.ca
902.266.6071
To submit correspondence, email clerks@halifax.ca. Would you like to learn more about correspondence?