Cape Breton Regional Municipality

CBRM Police Commission

Community Oversight. Accountable Policing.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Board of Police Commissioners provide civilian governance and oversight for the Cape Breton Regional Police Service (CBRPS) on behalf of Council. The Commission normally meets quarterly with additional meetings scheduled as needed to address matters arising.  When a meeting is scheduled, the relevant details will be posted and updated at https://www.cbrm.ns.ca/cbrm-meeting-and-minutes.html.

The Commission is dedicated to ensuring public trust by overseeing law enforcement practices, strengthening community partnerships, and upholding the highest standards in public safety. While the Commission sets direction and reviews governance matters, operational decisions and the day-to-day management are responsibility of the Chief of Police.

The legislated mandate and responsibilities of the Commission is established by the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia, and as set out in the Police Act, the Commission's Terms of Reference (By-Law S1), as well as CBRM Committees RC4 Policy.

The Commission acts as a bridge between the community and law enforcement to provide civilian oversight, promote fairness, and ensure that policing practices reflect the values of our community. 

The seven-member Commission consists of three members of Council, appointed by resolution of Council; three citizens at large, appointed by a resolution of Council; and one member appointed by the provincial Minister of Justice. A Chair is chosen by vote of the Commission, and each member must take an Oath of Office and adhere to a code of conduct, as prescribed by regulations of the Act.

The current members of the CBRM Board of Police Commissioners are:

• Commissioner Glenn Paruch, Chair (Council Appointee)
• Commissioner Paul Nickituk (Council Appointee)
• Commissioner Kim Sheppard-Campbell (Council Appointee)
• Commissioner Tom Vickers (Citizen Appointee)
• Commissioner Ken Tracey (Citizen Appointee)
• Commissioner Matthew Conner (Citizen Appointee)
• Commissioner Noelle Gouthro (Provincial Appointee)

Role of the Commission Chair (Section 78 of NS Police Act Regulations)

• to preside over the board and to manage, organize, set agendas for and attend meetings, ensuring all policies developed by the board are appropriately implemented;
• develop an operations and policy manual that will assist in the orientation of new appointees and direct acting board members regarding their roles and responsibilities;
• ensure that board members are informed of matters within the board's jurisdiction;
• act as the sole spokesperson for the board;
• in conjunction with the board members and in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer of the municipality, to evaluate the performance of the Chief Officer on a yearly basis.

The Commission is responsible for (Section 55 of the Nova Scotia Police Act)

• civilian governance on behalf of the Council in relation to the enforcement of law, the maintenance of law and order and the prevention of crime in the municipality; and
• the administrative direction, organization and policy required to maintain an adequate, effective, and efficient police department

The Commission does NOT have jurisdiction of (Section 55 of the Nova Scotia Police Act)

• complaints, discipline or personnel conduct, except in respect to the Chief Officer; 
• a specific prosecution or investigation; or
• the actual day-to-day direction of the police department.