At its May 21st meeting, the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners adopted in principle, subject to a period of public comment, an Armoured Rescue Vehicle (ARV) Policy and a Matters of Immediate Strategic Significance (Critical Point) Policy for inclusion in its Policy Manual.
Proposed Board of Police Commissioners Armoured Rescue Vehicle Policy: Armoured Rescue Vehicle Policy - May 21/25 Board of Police Commissioners | Halifax.ca
Proposed Board of Police Commissioners Matters of Immediate Strategic Significance (Critical Point) Policy: Matters of Immediate Strategic Significance (Critical Point) - May 21/25 Board of Police Commissioners | Halifax.ca
The Board welcomes your feedback on these proposed policies, which will enhance its governance and oversight of the police services. Please provide feedback on either or both policies by emailing under the subject line “Policy Feedback” bopc@halifax.ca. Feedback will be welcomed until May 28th.
Armoured Rescue Vehicle Policy
The proposed Board policy directs the Chief to produce an HRP policy with respect to the use of an ARV that ensures the following:
- The approval and oversight of a qualified Critical Incident Commander is required for the operational deployment of the ARV;
- A list is created of approved and non-approved uses for the ARV;
- Operators successfully complete an ARV operator qualification program;
- The creation of a process to determine whether requests for use of the ARV by other police services will be considered;
- The regular inspection and maintenance of the ARV; and
- The safe storage of the ARV.
Matters of Immediate Strategic Significance (Critical Point) Policy
A policy that defines what constitutes a “critical point” and that would require the Chief to disclose relevant information to the Board for consideration and discussion is among the recommendations contained in the independent civilian review (Independent Review) the Board requested following the August 18th 2021 encampment evictions. Five of the 13 recommendations in the Independent Review reference a “critical point” policy. The proposed policy on Matters of Immediate Strategic Significance (Critical Point) is the Board’s response to these 5 recommendations.
In accordance with the Independent Review, the proposed policy:
- Defines a Matter of Immediate Strategic Significance (Recommendation 2);
- Establish expectations and procedure for the sharing of information with the Board, subject to security and operational concerns (Recommendation 3); and
- Requires, where appropriate, and subject to security and operational concerns, the Chief to hold a debriefing following any Matter of Immediate Strategic Significance, and to report the content of the debriefing and lessons learned to the Board (Recommendations 10 & 11)
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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