A seven-week Southwest Nova Combined Crime Reduction Initiative resulted in over 110 charges being laid against nearly 30 people in Lunenburg and Kings counties.
In February 2023, Insp. Kurt Kamotzki, Southwest Nova RCMP District Policing Officer, Chief Mark Kane, Annapolis Royal Police Department, Chief Scott Feener, Bridgewater Police Service, Chief Jim Butler, Kentville Police Service and, Insp. Duane Cooper, Director of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia, met to discuss a crime reduction initiative that would see the creation of a partnership between agencies to address street level criminal activity.
On April 2, the Crime Reduction Initiative, which combined resources of the Bridgewater Police Service, Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia, Kentville Police Service, Lunenburg District RCMP, Kings District RCMP General Investigation Section, South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit and the Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit, began.
Between April 2, and May 17, the Crime Reduction Initiative resulted in the following:
- 16 investigations;
- 29 people charged;
- 113 charges laid, of which 47 were related to drug offences and 38 related to firearms offences;
- Over $61,000 in drugs were seized;
- 20 firearms were seized;
- Over $3,000 in stolen property was recovered
These investigations and enforcement actions occurred in various parts of Lunenburg and Kings counties including within the towns of Bridgewater and Kentville.
Quotes
"The success of the multi-jurisdictional team has signaled to communities and those who are committing crimes in Southwestern Nova Scotia that police are transcending boundaries, working collectively and ensuring community safety. The team was united in purpose, targeting those who present the greatest risk to public peace and has served as best practice going forward" says Insp. Kurt Kamotzki, Southwest Nova RCMP District Policing Officer.
"This initiative has been a great example of how collaborative efforts between different policing agencies can have a significant impact in quickly reducing organized crime activity in our communities. The end result is that our residents, young and old alike, are safer and more secure – and that's a vitally important outcome" says Chief Scott Feener, Chief of the Bridgewater Police Service.
"The success of this initiative has proven valuable in the ongoing efforts of not only making our communities safe, but also making them feel safe. The continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies and various units is in line with public expectations and this has shown to be achievable and should be the way forward" says Chief Jim Butler, Chief of the Kentville Police Service.
"This successful joint initiative clearly demonstrates how law enforcement agencies can work together to combat the threat and impact of serious and organized crime in Nova Scotia, which in this case includes drug trafficking and illegal firearms. Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia remains committed to working with all law enforcement and partner agencies to detect and deter organized crime from operating in our province" says Insp. Duane Cooper, Director of the Nova Scotia Criminal Intelligence Service.