Board of Police Commissioners

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. There are seven members of the Board; six are appointed by the Halifax Regional Council, and the seventh is appointed by the Nova Scotia Minister of Justice. Of the six appointed by Regional Council, three of the members are Regional Councilors and three are community members.

The Board of Police Commissioners Policy Manual provides further information regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Board in fulfilling its mandate established by the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia set out in the Police Act, as well as the Board's Terms of Reference (By-Law P-100).

Board of Police Commissioners' meetings are held in Accordance with Administrative Policy One, The Procedures for the Meetings of the Board of Police Commissioners [PDF]. The Board of Police Commissioners normally meet on the first Wednesday of each month, at 1:00 p.m. at the HEMDCC Meeting Space, Main Floor, 60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth. 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.

Current News

No current updates.

Previous News

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.

Read the full statement here

Terms of reference [PDF]

There are currently no policies for feedback.

Provide feedback on a draft policy

Community Survey on Policing

The Board of Police Commissioners has engaged Narrative Research to conduct a Community Survey on Policing. The goal of this survey is to gather insights and feedback from community members 18 years of age or older about their perceptions, experiences, and suggestions on policing in the Halifax region.

As part of the process to solicit public input on important policing-related topics, the Board of Police Commissioners is inviting community members to complete the survey at this link - https://www.narrativeresearchsurveys.ca/S2/87/2556709/

Results of the survey will be reported quarterly, in addition to a report and final presentation to be delivered to the Board of Police Commissioners in Fall 2026.

Infographic outlining first quarter results [PDF]
Accessible version of first quarter results [PDF]

General Information

Find out what’s happening at board meetings and learn how you can participate.

Learn about the HRM Police Services Code of Conduct. and the Wortley (Street Checks) report.

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.

Find meeting agendas and minutes online. You can also search for records of committee meetings.