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.
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 [PDF], as well as the Board's Terms of Reference (By-Law P-100) [PDF].
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.
The Board of Police Commissioners normally meets on the third Monday of each month, at 12:30 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 and the Police Diversity Working Group.
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.
Board of Police Commissioners Meetings
Membership and biographies
- Commissioner Lindell Smith (Councillor, District 8)
- Commissioner Harry Critchley - Vice Chair
- Commissioner Becky Kent (Councillor, District 3) - Chair
- Commissioner Lisa Blackburn (Councillor, District 14)
- Commissioner Yemi Akindoju
- Commissioner Gavin Giles
- Commissioner Anthony Thomas
Staff contact for the Board of Police Commissioners
Andrea Lovasi-Wood
Legislative Assistant
lovasia@halifax.ca
902-240-7164
To submit correspondence, email clerks@halifax.ca. Would you like to learn more about correspondence?