SYDNEY, N.S. — The Cape Breton Regional Police Service will be reviewing its policy regarding an officer’s service-issued firearm when off duty.
“In light of developments in other jurisdictions, we are taking the opportunity to review our policy,” said Desiree Magnus, spokeswoman for the regional police.
Magnus said their current policy does allow officers to take their service weapons home.
The Cape Breton Regional Police Service has not had any incidents involving officers and service weapons while off duty.
The Cape Breton Regional Police Service was asked about its policy just days after Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella held a press conference announcing their officers are no longer allowed to have their service-issued firearm with them when they’re not on duty.
The policy change came a day after Halifax Const. Jennifer McPhee was charged in relation to a theft that occurred Sept. 13 at the Bayers Lake Atlantic Superstore.
The 42-year-old officer, who has served more than 17 years with the Halifax force, allegedly shoplifted from the grocery store while wearing a wig and carrying a service revolver in her purse, sources said.
McPhee was charged with careless use of a firearm, contravention of firearm storage regulations, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition, theft under $5,000, and disguise with intent.
At the news conference at Halifax Regional Police headquarters, Kinsella said any time firearms come up in any type of investigation it is a cause for concern. Kinsella confirmed the firearm in question was a service-issued firearm, describing the incident as, "even more alarming.”
Halifax Regional Police officers will only wear their firearms when they’re on duty, except for in certain situations approved by Kinsella or the chief’s designate.
Jim MacLeod, chair of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality police commission, was asked if the commission would be discussing this policy in the future. He said this matter is one concerning police management, not the commission.
— With files from SaltWire Network
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