On June 6, the Honourable Dr. John Haggie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, in collaboration with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), announced a $15,000 bursary program for new RNC recruits to obtain a Police Science (Cadet) Certificate at the Atlantic Police Academy in Prince Edward Island.
Effective immediately, a $15,000 bursary will be granted to each successful RNC recruit, based on a three-year return to service agreement.
The Atlantic Police Academy provides a 32-week cadet training program designed to prepare and qualify candidates to become a police officer with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Using a blend of academic and tactical training, the program uses real-life situations and simulations to prepare candidates for the law enforcement profession.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is currently recruiting for the 2026 RNC Cadet Training Program.
The Provincial Government provides over $180 million annually for policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2025 includes over $50 million for new initiatives for the Department of Justice and Public Safety, including five new RCMP officers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and 10 new RNC officers for the Northeast Avalon.
Starting in 2026-27, an additional 19 police officers will be hired. This careful planning ensures that policing resources are strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of our communities. Budget 2025 also includes support for the establishment of a new eastern region joint-task force unit comprised of RNC and RCMP officers to target weapon, drug, and contraband enforcement and critical incident response activities to complement the work of the joint-task force unit for the western region.
Quotes
"The safety of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is paramount, and police officers play a crucial role in protecting our residents. We are pleased to work with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and to provide this additional support that will help increase recruitment."
Honourable Dr. John Haggie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety
"This financial assistance will help alleviate pressures on potential candidates which we believe will allow us to be more competitive with what other police agencies are offering. We are actively recruiting new officers for 2026 and encourage anyone interested in joining the RNC to apply today."
Chief Patrick Roche, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
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For more information
Prince Phillip Drive
St. John's Newfoundland
Canada A1B 4J6
www.gov.nl.ca
