Nova Scotia RCMP: Rooted in our communities and committed to safety

On this page

• A message from Dennis Daley
• Your provincial police
• Did you know?
• Opportunity in Nova Scotia
• Living our core values
• Community matters
• Beyond the line of duty
• Building connections

A message from Dennis Daley

As the Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP, I have the privilege of witnessing first-hand the deep connection our employees and their families share with their communities. My own journey with the RCMP began here in Nova Scotia, where I was first posted to New Minas. These early experiences helped shape my understanding of the unique bond RCMP officers and all employees have with the province they call home.

In Nova Scotia, our officers are more than law enforcement professionals; they are people invested in their community’s present and future. This investment is not confined to their hours on duty, it extends far beyond their professional obligations.

Our employees and their families are Nova Scotians first. They are neighbours, volunteers, coaches, teammates, mentors, and active participants in community events. They are deeply committed to making the communities where they live and work better for everyone. Whether it's organizing a local charity event, coaching youth sports teams, or participating in community wellness initiatives, our employees contribute their time, energy, and passion to a variety of causes that enhance the quality of life for all residents and help build strong, supportive and thriving communities.

Moreover, the personal connections our employees establish within their communities often provide critical insights and local knowledge that enhance our understanding of the unique challenges and needs of each community. This allows us to customize our approach to policing, ensuring that our strategies are both effective and culturally sensitive for each distinctive community.

The RCMP remains committed to fostering these vital community relationships. We understand that the safety and well-being of Nova Scotians depends not only on our professional skills, but also on the trust and goodwill we build within the communities we serve.

On behalf of all our employees and their families, thank you for your continued support of the RCMP, your provincial police force. We are committed to preventing crime and creating safer, stronger communities together, from one end of the province to the other.

Sincerely,

Dennis Daley
Commanding Officer
Nova Scotia RCMP

Your provincial police

As Nova Scotia’s provincial police, the RCMP serves and protects Nova Scotians from Cape North to Cape Sable Island, and everywhere in between.

Did you know?

• The Nova Scotia RCMP has over 1,400 employees from many diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, including 324 supervisor officers supporting 665 frontline constables across Nova Scotia.
• 57% of RCMP members in Nova Scotia have over five years of continuous service in the province.
• 43% of RCMP members in Nova Scotia have served the province for 10 to 34 years, showcasing deep community roots.
• From 2022 to 2024, 48 reservists completed deployments with the Nova Scotia RCMP, totaling over 26,000 hours.
• Nova Scotia is home to 52 historic African Nova Scotian Communities and 13 Mi’kmaw communities. The Nova Scotia RCMP police 12 of the 13 Mi’kmaw communities and the numerous reserves that fall under them.
• From 2023 to 2024, 11,870 immigrants have arrived in Nova Scotia. RCMP employees speak over 46 different languages, reflecting the rich diversity of our workforce.

Opportunity in Nova Scotia

• From January to August 2024, the Nova Scotia RCMP hired 44 experienced police officers from across Nova Scotia and beyond. 30 out of the 44 experienced police officers are from municipal police agencies right here in Nova Scotia.
  • “I joined the Nova Scotia RCMP for the endless opportunities. So far, it’s had nothing but positive impact.”
  • “When members ask me if I’m happy I made the switch, the answer is 100% yes.”
  • “I believe this knowledge of the area and people is an asset to the RCMP.”
• Cadets are now posted to a province of their choice, as long as space is available.
• Over 100 cadets from RCMP Depot Division attended H Division’s virtual spotlight presentation to hear about employment opportunities and quality of life in Nova Scotia.

Living our core values

African Canadian Experience

Originally developed in Nova Scotia in 2008, the African Nova Scotian Experience workshop was created to educate RCMP employees on better serving diverse communities. In 2017, the workshop expanded into a five-day course, now known as the African Canadian Experience workshop, reflecting its growing importance. The course aims to raise awareness about workplace diversity, equip employees with the skills to foster an inclusive and discrimination-free environment, and deepen understanding of the challenges faced by Black Canadians.

Addition of eagle feather

In 2017, the Nova Scotia RCMP was the first in Canada to offer the option for victims, witnesses, and officers, to swear legal oaths on an eagle feather, alongside the Bible or affirmation. The eagle feather can also be used for comfort during interactions at RCMP detachments. Eagle feathers are proudly available at all RCMP detachments in Nova Scotia, making the justice system more inclusive and sensitive to Indigenous cultures.

Apology and action plan

On September 7, Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley apologized to African Nova Scotians and all people of African descent for the harm caused by street checks and other negative interactions. He acknowledged the pain these actions inflicted on individuals and communities and outlined a detailed action plan aimed at rebuilding trust. The plan includes measures like educating RCMP employees on African Nova Scotian history, increasing representation, and fostering collaboration with Black communities. This apology and action plan were shaped by a year-long process involving a steering committee of community members and RCMP employees. Through consultations in African Nova Scotian communities, the RCMP gained insight into the full impact of street checks, which informed their commitment to change and future progress.

RCMP officers build fire pit for Pictou Landing First Nation community

In Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia, local RCMP officers built a community fire pit as a symbol of their renewed relationship with the Pictou Landing First Nation. Collaborating with community members, local businesses, and a former band Chief, the fire pit was completed in 2023. Now, it serves as a gathering spot for events like New Year's Eve sobriety gatherings and youth recreation activities, while offering a space for reflection near a memorial site for former residential school students.

Community matters

Employees and their families are deeply embedded in the communities they serve, not only through their policing roles but also as members of the community who give back in meaningful ways. Together, they commit hundreds of volunteer hours each year, supporting local events, charities, youth programs, and more.

Sergeant Mark Sobieraj, an investigator with the Nova Scotia RCMP, recently launched Camp Hope, the first camp in Atlantic Canada for survivors of child and youth sexual abuse and their families. Camp Hope aims to improve outcomes for families challenged with the impacts of child sexual abuse and require additional support.

Staff Sergeant Marc Rose, District Commander of Colchester District RCMP, has lived in Colchester County with his family since 2014. “It’s a perfect fit for us. I enjoy being involved in coaching youth soccer and hockey in my spare time...a key priority for me is to engage the youth and seniors who live in the area.”

As a father of two children with autism, Staff Sergeant Mike Balmaceda, Enfield Detachment Commander, has a deep personal connection to Special Olympics Nova Scotia. Mike believes in the power of inclusion through sport, feeling privileged to be part of something bigger.

Corporal Shawn Galbraith was honoured as Volunteer of the Year by the Town of Oxford in 2022. Shawn sees his volunteerism as both a personal and professional duty, helping to fill a critical gap in youth sports. “I do it because the kids need sports, especially after the last few years when COVID took over and sports went on the back burner. I also do it so the youth can have a positive relationship with a police officer.”

Staff Sergeant Major Deepak Prasad has dedicated the last 15 years to community service, public safety, and education. “I am deeply rooted in my commitment to volunteerism. My greatest enjoyment comes from seeing others smile, driving my dedication in every role I undertake within my community.”

Sergeant Natasha Farrell, Detachment Commander with Guysborough RCMP, originally from Antigonish, began her career in Alberta before coming back to Nova Scotia in 2015. “I feel extremely fortunate to work in this part of the province; I spent so much of my childhood here, and I’m happy to serve the community both on and off the job.”

Beyond the line of duty

Constable Gagnon, School Safety Resource Officer in Pictou County, recently redecorated his office at Northumberland Regional High School. His dedication to youth is captured in this unique space; he aims to help young people feel more comfortable speaking with police on important issues impacting them, their friends and their community.

After Constable Collins and his three huskies visited Kentville’s Kings County Academy to talk about mushing, he received these amazing drawings from students as a thank you.

Sheet Harbour RCMP Detachment, in partnership with Sheet Harbour Fire Station, hosted the first ever Cops for Youths initiative, a one-day community-based mock exercise where youth get to be a cop for the day.

Pictou County District RCMP was proud to take part in the Pictou Landing First Nation’s Pride Parade. Members were honoured to be part of the safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Staff Sergeant Wiese and Corporal MacDonald volunteered at the Wagmatcook Cultural Centre for the “Welcome Back to School” celebration for school-aged youth in Wagmatcook. The event saw over 300 people in attendance, including everyone from Elders to babies!

The Nova Scotia RCMP faced off against the Tatamagouche Titans in front of a full house at the North Shore Recreation Centre, raising over $3,200 for a high school bursary in honour of Nate MacLeod.

Building connections

Fostering a relationship with the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association and their 23 teams, both on and off the job, has provided benefits of relationship building, CSA standards, and mutual training opportunities.

I believe it’s essential to connect with the people we serve beyond our official duties. By giving back, I’m able to show that we are here to support, listen, and stand alongside community members. We’re all in this together.

Being an active part in the community is the ‘secret sauce’ of first responding. Getting to know the people that you serve brings nothing but positivity.

As a School Safety Resource Officer, one of the greatest rewards is the opportunity to build relationships with young people in our community. I’m able to connect with kids on a personal level, helping them see that police officers are here to support and guide them. It’s about trust, understanding, and creating a positive impact that can last a lifetime.