Please see the statement below on behalf of Chief Patrick R. Roche, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC):

“As a policing organization, we recognize the fear recent violent offences have caused to members of our community.

A shelter-in-place order is a decision not made lightly and only made when necessary. Shelter-in-place orders should be taken very seriously to protect those in the immediate area, and responding officers. Failure to do so could cause serious harm and injury to the public and our members. Those who ignore these orders could face criminal charges.

It has been referenced in recent media coverage that shelter-in-place orders may be a result of a lack of resources, technology, or training. This is completely inaccurate, and quite frankly, irresponsible, and I believe indicative of a lack of understanding of Critical Incident Response and the increase in dangerous crime in this province. This narrative jeopardizes public safety and impacts public confidence in policing.

I want to reassure the residents we serve that where weapons are concerned, particularly firearms, we do not take any chances. Our response is dictated by the information available at the time and any action or direction is an effort to preserve life.

I am incredibly proud of the almost 400 officers of the RNC who continue to show up every day risking harm to themselves in exchange for public safety. There is no doubt that drug trafficking and organized crime pose threats to our communities and our province. But, by working with our partner agencies, and the communities we serve, we can identify, address, and remove the dangers and improve safety for us all.”

-30-

 

Public Communications Unit
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca