The City of Saint John released the findings of its independent Police Governance Review. The report confirms the current Police Commission model works well for the community but highlights clear opportunities to modernize oversight, increase transparency, and better align with public expectations.

What the Review Found

Common Council commissioned this review in 2025 to evaluate the effectiveness and accountability of local policing. An independent expert conducted the assessment, comparing Saint John to similar jurisdictions and analyzing current police governance practices.

The review concludes the existing Police Commission model is fit for purpose. However, it emphasizes the need for a stronger role in ensuring police operations match the values and needs of Saint John residents.

Key Recommendations for Improvement

The report outlines several specific steps to improve the system:

• Create a clear mandate for the Police Commission, established by Common Council, detailing its responsibilities and expectations for public reporting.
• Improve communication between the Commission, Council, and the public.
• Increase community engagement and transparency in decision making processes.
• Align policing priorities directly with community needs.
• Provide ongoing training and oversight for performance and governance best practices.

Leadership Perspectives

“This report confirms that we have a solid foundation in place,” said Donna Noade Reardon. “Our focus now is on strengthening that foundation to enhance transparency, improve accountability, and ensure policing continues to reflect the priorities of our community.”

Police Commission Chair Tamara Kelly echoed this sentiment, focusing on future growth. “This is about continuous improvement,” Kelly said. “We are committed to ensuring our governance model reflects best practices and delivers the level of accountability and transparency our community expects.”

Next Steps

City Council plans to review the recommendations and collaborate with the Saint John Police Commission and the Saint John Police Force to create a concrete implementation plan. You can read the full report online or visit the City of Saint John official notice for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the City of Saint John conduct a Police Governance Review?

Common Council commissioned the review in 2025 to ensure strong, effective, and accountable governance of local policing and to align practices with modern community expectations.

Will the Police Commission model change?

The core model remains the same. The independent review confirmed the current Police Commission model is the right approach but requires updates to improve transparency and public trust.

What happens next with the review recommendations?

City Council works directly with the Saint John Police Commission and the Saint John Police Force to develop and execute an implementation plan based on the report findings.