*Additional meeting information: At least one, five-hour Board meeting each month and additional sub-committee meetings. (Commissioners may be asked to join sub-committees.) Significant reading and preparation is required for meetings.
Overview:
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 Regional Detachment (RCMP HRD), as it performs contractual policing services within the Halifax Regional Municipality. As a statutory body, the Board looks to Section 55 of the Nova Scotia Police Act for its function and jurisdiction. Each member of the Board is required to take an oath of office and adhere to a code of conduct prescribed by the Police Act's regulations.
Objectives/Functions:
- In consultation with the HRP Chief of Police and the RCMP HRD Officer in Charge, the Board provides civilian governance regarding strategic policy-planning and policy-driven budget planning for police service delivery within communities serviced by HRP and RCMP HRD.
- Approves the budget as prepared and presented by the Chief of Police, prior to its submission to Regional Council for approval.
- Serves as a link between the community and police services.
Membership: Seven (7) members as follows:
- Three (3) members of Council
- Three (3) residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality
- One (1) member of the Halifax Regional Municipality appointed by the Province of Nova Scotia
Positions Available:
- One (1) resident of the Halifax Regional Municipality
Resident members of the Board of Police Commissioners receive a quarterly honorarium of $750.
Length of Term:
- Such term as Council shall direct, not to exceed three (3) years. The term for this position will begin on March 31, 2025
Desired skillset - a member of the Board of Police Commissioners should bring:
- A demonstrated interest in law enforcement and/or the criminal justice system
- Previous experience on a board of directors
- Breadth of experience, working within several HRM communities
- A demonstrated understanding of community impact issues and how they affect quality of life in HRM
- Knowledge of the types of police services provided and policing issues in HRM
- The ability to think strategically and to bring diverse interests to the Board
- Time, energy, and ability to serve on an active board of directors
- Expertise in areas outside of policing, such as accounting, board governance, justice, and management, etc.
- Experience with marginalized areas in HRM and awareness of community issues.
To be a candidate for appointment as a board member, a person must consent to criminal and background checks.