P.E.I. policing review recommends local departments work together

A review of P.E.I.'s policing services recommends departments across the Island take a cohesive approach, as opposed to the current system, which it describes services as "delivered from silos."

The Crime Prevention and Policing Service Model Review, released Tuesday, makes 17 recommendations for police services on the Island.

The review was launched in September 2015, and was conducted by consulting company Perivale and Taylor.

The province said it will act on 10 of those recommendations in the next 12 to 18 months, and will revisitthe rest of the recommendations after further consultation.

"This has been the first review of Prince Edward Island police services in 40 years," said Premier Wade MacLauchlan in a news release.

"By supporting better integration of our police services, we will ensure there are quality policing services across the province while also improving officer safety."

Universal practices

The planned changes involve having a universal set of practices for all police services across the province. That includes all police agencies using the same mobile radio system, and using a single records management system.

The government will also create special police teams for services including forensics, police dog services, and case management for homicide and other serious crimes.

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