Your Nova Scotia RCMP: 2025

List of acronyms and abbreviations

APP: Annual performance plan
BWC: body-worn camera
CCIS: Canadian Criminal Intelligence System
CID: Criminal Investigations Division
COP: Citizens on Patrol
DICE: Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience
DLT: Division Liaison Team
EHS: Emergency Health Services
ERT: Emergency Response Team
HRM: Halifax Regional Municipality
NEN MCU: Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit
ROV: remotely operated vehicle
RPAS: remotely piloted aircraft systems

Message from the Commanding Officer

The Nova Scotia RCMP responded to thousands of calls for service in 2025, supported by specialized training, dedicated teams, and the equipment required to meet policing needs across the province.

While many major investigations focused on gender-based violence – including intimate partner and sexual violence – organized criminal activity involving drug and firearms trafficking, and internet-based child exploitation, these represented only part of our broader operational responsibilities. Officers also responded to and investigated assaults, robberies, human trafficking, and numerous other offences that impact community safety. This work relied on coordinated efforts across RCMP units and close collaboration with partner police agencies, community organizations, survivors, and witnesses.

Throughout 2025, led by Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley, who retired in March 2026, the Nova Scotia RCMP leadership team remained focused on supporting employees and enhancing the safety and security of the communities we serve.

Your Nova Scotia RCMP: 2025 highlights key investigations, initiatives, and priorities that shaped our work and reflect the trust placed in us as Nova Scotia’s provincial police.

Assistant Commissioner Dan Morrow, Commanding Officer

Provincial operational policing priorities

In addition to day-to-day policing duties, the Nova Scotia RCMP – as the provincial police service – is guided by the Nova Scotia Department of Justice to focus on specific areas related to public safety. In 2025, these areas included: gender-based violence; organized crime; internet child exploitation; and cannabis enforcement.

Key operational files

Several investigations in each of the provincial priority areas are highlighted below.

Gender-based violence (intimate partner violence)

In March, the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (NEN MCU) charged a man with murder in connection with a September 2023 death.

On September 17, 2023, Colchester County District RCMP responded to a sudden death at a home on Wild Chance Dr. in Bible Hill. The victim, a 32-year-old woman from the community, was determined to have died under suspicious circumstances.

Throughout the complex investigation, officers gathered extensive forensic evidence and interviewed numerous witnesses, leading to a comprehensive case supporting this intimate partner violence-related homicide.

On March 17, 2025, a 31-year-old man was charged with Murder (first degree).

The investigation was led by the NEN MCU with support from the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service and the RCMP Forensic Identification Section.

Gender-based violence (sexual violence)

In September, the Nova Scotia RCMP charged a Dartmouth man with 66 offences following a multi-year investigation into sexual assaults that occurred at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre (Waterville) between 1989 and 2015.

The RCMP’s investigation, known as Operation Headwind, involved interviewing more than 450 survivors and witnesses across Canada, reviewing over 9,800 seized documents, and completing more than 1,200 investigative tasks.

As a result, the facility’s swim instructor from 1988 to 2017 was safely arrested at his home. The 75-year-old has been charged with:

Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm (3 counts)
Sexual Assault (28 counts)
Sexual Exploitation (32 counts)
Sexual Interference
Invitation to Sexual Touching
Assault

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected.

Organized crime (drug trafficking)

In November, following a 13-month investigation known as Project Hammertime, the Southwest Nova Street Crime Enforcement Unit arrested 4 men without incident and executed search warrants at multiple locations in Church Point and at a residence in Belliveau’s Cove.

During the searches, investigators seized drugs, cash, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, electronic devices, a firearm, and financial documents.

A 66-year-old man from Church Point was charged with:

Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
Trafficking Cocaine (2 counts)
Arson for a Fraudulent Purpose
Intimidation (2 counts)
Counselling to Commit Drug Trafficking
Dangerous Driving (2 counts)
Breach of Release Order (2 counts)

In consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, he also faced several Fisheries Act charges.

A 55-year-old man from Church Point was charged with:

Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine
Trafficking Cocaine
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Tusi)
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Possession of a Firearm Knowing It’s Unauthorized
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

A 60-year-old man from Meteghan was charged with Arson and Conspiracy to Commit Arson.

A 33-year-old man from Church Point was charged with Extortion.

The investigation was supported by the Meteghan RCMP Detachment, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Forensic Accounting Management Group, the Canada Revenue Agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia, and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.

Organized crime (firearms)

In August, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment charged a man after officers executed search warrants in East Preston and Dartmouth as part of an ongoing investigation.

The RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment Street Crime Enforcement Unit, with assistance from the Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team, attended a residence in East Preston and safely arrested a 42-year-old man after he attempted to flee on foot.

Officers then searched the home’s garage, 2 vehicles, and a residence in Dartmouth with support from Halifax Regional Police. They seized a loaded pistol with an over-capacity magazine, pre-packaged cocaine, and cash.

The man was charged with:

Careless Use of a Firearm
Contravention of a Regulation to Store, Handle, Transport, Ship, or Display a Firearm
Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Possession of a Firearm Knowing Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of a Weapon or Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of a Weapon Obtained by the Commission of an Offence
Possession of a Firearm While Prohibited (2 counts)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

The investigation was led by RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment with assistance from the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team.

Internet child exploitation

In February, the Nova Scotia RCMP worked with provincial and national policing partners on Project STEEL, executing search warrants targeting online child sexual exploitation. Across Canada, the initiative resulted in the arrest of 106 individuals.

Project STEEL brought together multiple law enforcement partners from across the country and was jointly led by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Sûreté du Québec. In Nova Scotia, the operation was led by the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Unit in partnership with Kentville Police Service. Over the course of the initiative, officers executed 4 search warrants in the province, leading to arrests and the seizure of items containing child pornography.

On February 18, Kentville Police Service, with support from the RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence on Forest Hill Rd., where child pornography was located on a seized electronic device. One person was charged with Possession and Transmission of Child Pornography.

The following day, February 19, members of the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Unit and partner units executed a search warrant at a home in Boylston. One person was charged with Possession and Transmission of Child Pornography.

On February 20, investigators seized electronic devices containing a significant amount of child pornography from a residence in Eskasoni. One person was charged with Possession and Transmission of Child Pornography.

On February 26, officers executed a search warrant at a business in Ste. Anne du Ruisseau, where multiple devices containing child pornography were seized, along with two unsecured firearms. One person was charged with child pornography and firearms offences.

On February 27, the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Unit and partner units executed a search warrant at a Middleton home. One person was charged with Possession of Child Pornography and Failing to Comply with a Prohibition Order.

In Nova Scotia, reporting suspected child pornography is mandatory.

Cannabis enforcement

In February, Southwest Nova District RCMP charged 21 people with more than 50 offences after executing search warrants at illegal cannabis storefronts throughout the district.

The operation, dubbed Project Highfield, began in October 2024, and involved search warrants at 13 illegal storefronts in Kings, Lunenburg, Annapolis, and Queens counties between February 4 and 13. The investigation was assisted by the Kentville, Bridgewater, and Annapolis police services and involved multiple RCMP units.

The operation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of cannabis products, including dried cannabis, edibles, liquid cannabis, and hashish, as well as 9.5 kilograms of psilocybin and nearly 1,000 cartons of unstamped tobacco. Police also seized 18 firearms, cash, automated teller machines, and multiple shed-like structures associated with the illegal operations.

In total, 21 people face 52 charges under the Cannabis Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Excise Act, and the Criminal Code, including:

Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
Unauthorized Sale of Cannabis
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Psilocybin)
Possession of Unstamped Tobacco
Possession of Unstamped Cannabis
Careless Use of a Firearm
Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

Project Highfield was also supported by Service Nova Scotia’s Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Other priorities and significant initiatives

Investigating the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan

Since May, the investigation into the disappearance of siblings Lilly and Jack Sullivan has continued, with dedicated resources and specialized units assigned to the file. Efforts have focused on gathering and analyzing information and following up on public tips, while preserving the integrity of the investigation. The investigation remains active.

Aiming to improve road safety

During Canada Road Safety Week 2025, more than 10% of vehicles stopped by the Nova Scotia RCMP during proactive enforcement led to charges. Officers issued 54 Criminal Code impaired operation charges, 22 roadside suspensions, and nearly 1,000 summary offence tickets – mainly for distracted driving, aggressive driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. With these behaviours among the leading causes of fatal and serious collisions in 2024, RCMP officers used the week to reinforce the importance of safe driving across Nova Scotia.

Issuing body-worn cameras across the province

In 2025, frontline RCMP officers in Nova Scotia were equipped with body-worn cameras (BWCs). These cameras help build public trust, improve transparency, and support timely resolution of complaints. In high-pressure situations, they preserve essential evidence that strengthens the investigative process. As the program evolves, BWCs and other digital evidence tools are being adopted more widely across RCMP units, extending beyond frontline teams.

Transitioning to the new Canadian Criminal Intelligence System

The Nova Scotia RCMP transitioned to the Canadian Criminal Intelligence System (CCIS), facilitated through Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia. CCIS provides a national, data-driven platform that modernizes intelligence sharing across jurisdictions and strengthens law enforcement’s ability to identify, analyze, and disrupt organized crime, supporting coordinated efforts to enhance public safety.

Expanding the remotely piloted aircraft system program

The Nova Scotia RCMP expanded its remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) program in 2025, strengthening our ability to support public safety operations. Operated by highly trained and Transport Canada–certified personnel, drones assist frontline officers in a variety of situations, including searches for missing persons and lost or injured hikers. Some RPAS are equipped with thermal imaging to detect heat signatures during night operations or in areas with limited visibility, and in certain circumstances can be fitted with a one-way speaker to provide reassurance, offer direction, and advise individuals that help is on the way.

Enhancing underwater investigations with new tech

RCMP officers with the Underwater Recovery Team trained with their new remotely operated vehicle (ROV), using controlled pool environments to practice operating its high-definition cameras, sonar, lighting, and maneuvering systems. The ROV enhances the team’s ability to investigate underwater scenes without putting divers at risk, search hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, support recovery missions more efficiently, improve evidence documentation through onboard video recording, and operate at greater depths for extended periods. This Canadian-made technology strengthens community safety by providing officers with advanced tools for underwater investigative work.

Strengthening partnerships and interoperability

The Nova Scotia RCMP works with policing partners across the province and offers specialized services – like Police Dog Services and the Emergency Response Team – when requested. In Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), the Halifax Regional Integrated Criminal Investigations Division (CID) operates a fully collaborative investigative model. CID investigators from the RCMP and Halifax Regional Police work seamlessly across jurisdictions, enabling effective information sharing, coordinated investigations, and efficient service delivery to the public. In 2025, a comprehensive review of the integrated CID model was initiated with the support of HRM to ensure CID remains responsive to evolving crime trends, increasing investigative complexity, and resource pressures, and to help inform future investments that will support the next generation of integrated criminal investigations.

Managing assets and equipment

In 2025, the provincial government identified equipment and asset management as a key policing priority for the RCMP, recognizing the high cost, strategic importance, and complexity associated with specialized policing equipment. In response, the Nova Scotia RCMP established the Provincial Equipment Program, bringing together existing processes under a single, coordinated framework. The program is focused on strengthening forecasting, planning, procurement, and lifecycle management of provincial equipment, while clarifying roles and responsibilities across participating units. The Division has seen significant organizational growth in recent years, including the expansion of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) to 18 full-time members, the creation of the Nova Scotia Organized Crime Unit, and increased mandated equipment for specialized units such as ERT, Police Dog Services, and Forensic Identification Services. Frontline policing has also seen major increases in provincially mandated equipment, including extended-range impact weapons, Taser 7 devices, breaching tools, body-worn cameras, and other specialized tools.

Improving police governance

Police governance in Nova Scotia is closely linked to the RCMP’s role as the provider of contract policing across the province through provincial, municipal, and community tripartite agreements, alongside federal policing delivered by RCMP Eastern Region. In partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, the RCMP supports day-to-day law enforcement and advances strategic public safety priorities, including addressing gender-based and intimate partner violence, combatting mid-level organized crime, and strengthening partnerships and interoperability. At the local level, police governance is supported through active engagement with police advisory boards, which serve as important forums for collaboration and priority setting. Annual performance plans (APPs) further strengthen this engagement by aligning detachment priorities with community-identified needs and supporting regular communication and accountability. Sound contract management practices, including robust asset and equipment management, also contribute to effective and sustainable policing.

Overseeing resource-conflict demonstrations

The Nova Scotia RCMP continues to oversee resource-conflict demonstrations with a focus on preserving public safety while respecting lawful, peaceful expression. Central to this approach is the Division Liaison Team (DLT), which proactively engages with communities through open communication and early mitigation to identify concerns, reduce tensions, and prevent escalation. Engagement efforts focus on strengthening relationships by employing measures that help maintain peace, foster mutual understanding, and support public safety through the restoration of peace and public order. Working in conjunction with the RCMP Tactical Support Group, which trained 14 new members, the DLT ensures a coordinated and measured response to evolving situations. Throughout 2025, the DLT expanded its membership and has been actively engaged in multiple public order events across the province.

Provincial and district policing data

Cadets assigned to the Nova Scotia RCMP: 48
Experienced police officers recruited to the Nova Scotia RCMP: 11
Number of calls requiring RCMP officers to be dispatched via the Operational Communications Centre: 89,689
Number of calls requiring RCMP officers to be dispatched via Integrated Emergency Services: 66,582

Note

The Operational Communications Centre answers all 9-1-1 calls and dispatches for all RCMP jurisdictions in Nova Scotia, except those within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Integrated Emergency Services answers all 9-1-1 calls for HRM and dispatches for RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment.
Thousands of non-emergent calls do not require a dispatch or file creation (for example, requests to speak with officers, enquiries about fingerprints or criminal record checks).