Programs and services

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Nova Scotia has 53 detachments across the province. As your provincial police, we patrol your communities, highways and the water to protect Nova Scotians 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Here are some of the specialized services and resources we provide.

Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Team

A team that responds to large-scale chemical, biological and radiological incidents and nuclear threats.

Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response

A team of subject matter experts who investigate the production and distribution of synthetic drugs. Members throughout the Atlantic Region help to educate the public and other members about these drugs. There is a Coordinator located in each province.

Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services

A team of analysts who investigate vehicle collisions with fatal and serious injuries. They use scientific methods, such as:

• complex time distance evaluations
• calculation of collision speeds

Commercial Crime Section

A team focused on reducing the impact of commercial crime on citizens.

Crisis Negotiation Team

A team equipped to manage group or individual conflicts, including:

• emotionally disturbed persons
• hostage takings
• high-risk warrants

Division Criminal Analysis Section

A team of analysts who help investigators understand their investigative information. They help long and short-term investigations and determine crime trends.

Division Emergency Operations Centre

A specialized communications centre activated during major incidents to help coordinate the RCMP's response.

Division Liaison Team

The RCMP in Nova Scotia respects the rights of people to demonstrate peacefully.

The Division Liaison Team is a team of Nova Scotia RCMP police officers that work to build relationships with individuals, groups and communities to help create a safe environment for everyone during demonstration events.

Team members undertake Division Liaison Team responsibilities in addition to the duties of their other job assignments.

When serving as part of the Division Liaison Team, members wear:

• grey pants
• a grey jacket with the RCMP crest and a "DLT" patch on both shoulders

Drug Recognition Experts

Specially trained members who test drivers to determine if they are drug impaired.

Emergency Response Team

A team that provides a tactical response to a variety of critical incidents such as:

• armed and barricaded persons
• hostage takings
• aircraft hijackings
• marine intervention

Explosive Disposal Unit

A team of technicians trained to safely handle and dispose of explosives and detonators.

Federal Serious and Organized Crime

A team that investigates international serious and organized crime that can impact the safety of Nova Scotians.

Forensic Identification Services

Units in Halifax, New Minas, Port Hawkesbury, Bible Hill and Yarmouth provide forensic support to investigators, including:

• identification of fingerprints
• forensic photography
• crime scene video
• preserving evidence

Human Trafficking Unit

The Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit:

• conducts enforcement activities related to human trafficking
• facilitates victim support
• educates partners and stakeholders

Major Crimes Unit

A team that investigates homicides, drug trafficking and sexual assaults in Nova Scotia.

For more information:

• Infographic: Did you know? Missing persons

Operational Communications Centre

The primary dispatch centre for emergency services across Nova Scotia. The centre's goal is supporting and enhancing public and officer safety.

Police Dog Service

Each police dog team has one member and one police dog trained to detect explosives and narcotics. They also help with search and rescue missions.

Provincial Internet Exploitation Unit

A team that works with the Technical Crime Unit to:

• locate and help child victims of sexual abuse
• identify those responsible
• capture electronic evidence
• lay appropriate criminal charges

Synthetic Drugs and Scene Coordinator

A subject matter expert who supports investigations involving prescription and illicit drug overdose deaths.

Tactical Troop

A flexible, emergency-oriented team that can be quickly mobilized to support:

• a major investigation
• crowd control
• search
• security and disaster response

Technological Crime Unit

This group helps RCMP investigative units with the search, seizure, and analysis of electronic devices. Members of this group also provide expert testimony and evidence required in court proceedings.

Traffic Services

Teams across the province that focus on enforcement related to the main causes of fatal and serious injury collisions:

• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Not wearing seatbelts
• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving

Underwater Recovery Team

A team trained to help with underwater searches for missing persons and recovery of evidence. They also:

• support the Emergency Response Team during marine and tactical operations
• conduct underwater security sweeps during VIP visits

Victim Services

A team of RCMP members and volunteers who provide support to victims of crime and trauma.

Date modified:

2021-06-17