The Netherlands' new justice minister says crime in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is a priority

Justice and Public Safety Minister Bernard Davis says the Newfoundland and Labrador government is committed to tackling rising crime in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. (Peter Cowan/CBC)

Newfoundland and Labrador's new justice minister says the provincial government is working to improve police resources in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Bernard Davis told CBC News on Tuesday that he takes public concerns about crime seriously.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone in the community, and that is exactly what we will strive to do,” Davis said.

“Every community has problems from time to time. This appears to be more of a long-term problem, based on conversations with the community and council members over the last few days.”

On Monday, Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper told CBC News that the RCMP is increasing resources in Happy Valley-Goose Bay so police can respond to calls around the clock.

The news came less than a week after a massive rally in the community where hundreds of residents voiced their anger at crime after a local bar was burned to the ground and a man was charged with arson.

“These will be visible ground troops in the community, and that is an important aspect,” Davis said.

He said he has also asked the province's police transformation task force, created in November, to look at how resources are distributed in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The group's recommendations will be presented within the next 45 days, he said.

“We will look at all possible options,” he said.

“Perhaps there are opportunities for correctional officers or sheriffs to play a role to reduce dependence on the RCMP so that the RCMP can focus on core policing tasks in the region.”

Davis cited the use of RCMP officers as escorts as an example.

“When we move inmates to medical appointments or court appearances, do we need to use Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers? Is there an option for us to use sheriffs or correctional officers to do this valuable work?”

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