**** HRP Media Release

Targeted patrols in Downtown Halifax

Until the mid-October, Halifax Regional Police are conducting additional patrols between the hours of midnight – 5 a.m. each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and any Sunday of a long weekend as part of our Downtown Safety Strategy.

The Downtown Safety Strategy was launched in June 2012 as part of our effort to reduce crime in the downtown area. Our community beat officers will be wearing traffic vests to increase their visibility and actively engaging in conversations with the public, patrons and staff. Officers will be looking for people who have had too much to drink and are more at risk of being involved in an incident either as an instigator or a victim. Officers will also conduct walk-throughs of licensed establishments to address any assaults occurring inside.

In addition to addressing assaults and alcohol related incidents we’ll also be enforcing vehicle related infractions such as impaired driving, failing to yield to pedestrians and permitting a person to enter or exit a vehicle other than at the curb, to name a few. Pedestrians will also be monitored to ensure they’re crossing at appropriate locations and not putting themselves at risk.

We believe this approach holds people accountable for their actions and makes the downtown safe for everyone to enjoy