Police union says Halifax Regional Police seeing exodus of officers

By CityNews Halifax Staff

Halifax is in danger of a dwindling police force, according to the executive director for the union representing the regional police

Mark Hartlen says members of Halifax Regional Police are leaving the force quicker than they can be replaced with the last six months seeing at least 20 officers who’ve left the force.

He tells CityNews Halifax those officers have left to join up with the RCMP.

“This is an internal problem, really,” says Hartlen. “I can’t point blame at the RCMP and I can’t point blame at members who are looking for options in light of what’s happening internally over the last period of time.”

He adds that members have been drawn away by burn out and mandatory overtime.

Acting union president Darla Perry adds HRP needs to offer members better opportunities and adds that the force needs to compete with better training and advancement opportunities in order to retain officers.

“These are all things we have an opportunity to work towards with the CAO and management of our organization,” she adds, noting 10 officers have also recently retired. “We are slow to move things forward and that needs to change.”