Q&A: Halifax Regional Police chief talks about 2025-26 budget, domestic violence, retail theft

societal response. And it’s not just about the police. It’s about community support, mental health services, and a whole range of other issues that contribute to domestic violence. We work closely with our partners in the community to try to address these issues, but it’s a very difficult problem to solve.

In terms of the budget increase, the funding for domestic violence support workers is crucial. These workers play a vital role in supporting victims and offenders and helping to break the cycle of violence. It’s important that we have the resources to provide these services effectively.

The request for a new armoured vehicle may seem controversial to some, but it’s an important tool for our emergency response team. It provides essential protection for our officers and allows us to respond to critical incidents in a safe and effective manner. The safety of our officers and the public is always our top priority, and the armoured vehicle helps us to ensure that safety.

Overall, the budget increase is necessary to support the important work that the Halifax Regional Police does. As Chief Don MacLean mentioned, there are fixed costs that are beyond our control, but the enhancements in the budget will allow us to provide better services to the community. We are constantly striving to improve and adapt to the evolving needs of our city, and this budget increase is a step in the right direction.

It’s important to remember that policing is just one part of the solution to societal issues like domestic violence. We need a holistic approach that involves collaboration with other agencies and organizations to address the root causes of these problems. By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive community for everyone.