At its June 4th meeting, the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners adopted in principle, subject to a period of public comment, a policy on Policing Encampments for inclusion in its Policy Manual.
Proposed Board of Police Commissioners policy on Policing Encampments: Board of Police Commissioners Policy on Policing Encampments - Jun 4/25 Board of Police Commissioners | Halifax.ca
The Board welcomes your feedback on this proposed policy, which will enhance its governance and oversight of the police services. Please provide feedback on the policy by emailing under the subject line “Policy Feedback” bopc@halifax.ca. Feedback will be welcomed until July 13th.
A policy on the topic on Policing Encampments is included among the recommendations contained in the independent civilian review (Independent Review) the Board requested following the August 18th 2021 encampment evictions.
The proposed policy on Policing Encampments emphasizes a compassionate and collaborative approach to managing Encampments, focusing on the rights and needs of its residents. Specifically, the recommended Board policy directs the Chief to produce an HRP policy with respect to its response to Encampments that:
- Is informed by the knowledge and experience of interested and impacted parties;
- Ensures relationship building is prioritized with service providers;
- Outlines expectations around training;
- Ensures certain critical activities are included as a part of the HRP’s day-to-day involvement with Encampments;
- Confirms a process when HRP is involved in the closing of an Encampment, which includes ensuring the process is civilian led, where appropriate and when available; and
- Deems HRP’s involvement in the closing of an Encampment a Matter of Immediate Strategic Significance.
In accordance with Recommendation 4 in the Independent Review, the policy commits to a human rights-based approach to address the needs of those who live in Encampments, and acknowledges the distinct needs of Indigenous people, Black and other racialized people, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. In accordance with Recommendation 5, the policy acknowledges the distinct relationship that Indigenous people have with the land and their right to live on that land in the cultural, historical and spiritual manner they wish.
The Independent Review and its 37 recommendations can be viewed here.
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.
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Staff contact for the Board of Police Commissioners
Andrea Lovasi-Wood
Legislative Assistant
lovasia@halifax.ca
902.240-7164
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