A brewing controversy over transparency and accountability has erupted in Saint John, New Brunswick, as city councillor David Hickey has called for the complete dissolution of the Saint John Police Commission. The bold proposal comes amid growing frustrations over what Hickey describes as a “fundamental disconnect” between the commission’s operations and the city’s governance structures.
“The current model is simply not working for our community,” Hickey stated during Monday’s council meeting, where he introduced a motion to lobby the provincial government to abolish the police commission entirely. “There’s a significant transparency gap that needs addressing, and the status quo cannot continue.”
At the heart of the dispute lies the question of civilian oversight. The Saint John Police Commission, established under provincial legislation, currently operates with considerable autonomy from city council. This arrangement has created friction as councillors seek greater input into policing priorities and budget allocation in a city facing significant financial constraints.
Police Chief Robert Bruce has defended the commission’s structure, arguing that it provides necessary independence for law enforcement operations. “The commission model exists throughout Canada to ensure police services remain free from political interference,” Bruce noted in a statement to CO24 News.
However, critics point to recent incidents that have highlighted governance challenges. Last month, the commission approved a controversial budget increase with minimal public consultation, prompting backlash from residents concerned about municipal tax implications. The commission’s closed-door decision-making process has further fueled calls for reform.
Councillor Hickey’s proposal would replace the commission with a direct reporting structure to city council, similar to other municipal departments. “Every other city service is accountable to council and the public. Why should policing be different?” Hickey questioned.
The motion has received mixed reactions from other councillors. Donna Reardon expressed sympathy for the concerns but suggested modifications rather than elimination might be more practical. “We need to find a middle ground that preserves independence while enhancing accountability,” she said in an interview with CO24 Canada.
Legal experts note that any change would require amendments to New Brunswick’s Police Act, making provincial government buy-in essential. Municipal law specialist Dr. Ellen Thompson from the University of New Brunswick explained, “This isn’t something the city can change unilaterally. The province would need to be convinced of the merits of a new oversight model.”
The Department of Public Safety has acknowledged receipt of the concerns but has not yet offered substantive comment on the proposal.
Community advocacy groups have seized on the debate to push for broader policing reforms. The Saint John Social Justice Coalition has called for any new oversight structure to include robust civilian representation. “This conversation shouldn’t just be about bureaucratic reporting lines, but about genuine community engagement in public safety priorities,” coalition spokesperson Maria Chen told CO24 Politics.
Hickey’s motion is scheduled for a vote at the next council meeting, though observers note that even if passed, it would mark only the beginning of what could be a lengthy reform process.
As this debate unfolds in Saint John, it raises a fundamental question that resonates far beyond New Brunswick: in our modern democracy, what is the optimal balance between police independence and democratic accountability to the communities they serve?
