Mayor Announces Advisory Committee on Crime Prevention

Friday, June 21, 2013 - 8:30 AM
Mayor Dennis O'Keefe

Mayor Dennis O’Keefe is seeking approval from Council next week to form a Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Crime Prevention.

“I am very concerned about the increase in criminal activity in our City over the past few years,” says Mayor O’Keefe. “Unfortunately the economic prosperity our region is currently experiencing also comes with some negative side effects, such as our City becoming more attractive to the criminal element. I believe we must directly address this issue, which is why I am recommending the formation of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Crime Prevention which will bring together all of the key stakeholders on this issue.”

The City already works on numerous crime prevention initiatives through our Neighbourhood Watch program and the Mayor hopes to build upon this work by establishing the advisory committee. The main priorities of the committee will be to create a strategic action plan to address crime in the City of St. John’s, spearhead crime prevention initiatives and develop partnerships which will provide advice and direction to Council on issues related to crime prevention.

“We all need to work together to find a solution to this issue,” says Mayor O’Keefe. “Last week I met with resident Jonathan Galgay and we discussed the formation of a committee. I have also discussed this idea with a number of councillors who are very supportive. I believe it is a proactive next step, particularly given recent incidents in our City.”

The Mayor intends to invite representation from a variety of internal and external stakeholders such as:

  • Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
  • Neighbourhood Watch
  • Canadian Mental Health Association
  • Provincial Department of Justice
  • Eastern Health
  • At large representation from residents will also be sought.
  • Other appropriate stakeholders to be determined.

“I have every faith and confidence in the RNC, in fact I feel they are doing an excellent job of policing the City of St. John’s, however we all have a role to play in ensuring our City remains safe for residents, visitors and businesses,” says Mayor O’Keefe. “I look forward to moving this initiative forward with the support of Council.”


For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca

Dennis O’Keefe
Mayor
City of St. John’s
Phone: 709-576-8477
E-mail: dokeefe@stjohns.ca