‘Bias exists’ says HRP superintendent after street checks moratorium issued

The superintendent of Halifax Regional Police says he understands bias exists in their system.

Jim Perrin's comments come one day after the Justice Minister Mark Furey issued a moratorium on street checks of pedestrians and vehicle passengers across the province.

“We certainly understand that bias exists,” Perrin said to reporters on Thursday. “Bias exists in our systems and bias can creep into any of our lives and our professions. We understand that and we're committed to continual improvement.”

But Perrin stopped short of committing to an apology on behalf of HRP.

“That's a very complex, sensitive matter and right now we're committed to addressing the ministerial directive and having those ongoing respectful conversations with our communities,” he said.

“We are committed to organizational improvement, we're committed to having relationships with the communities we police and that's our focus today.”

Meantime, Nova Scotia RCMP say members will suspend using street checks until further notice, adding the force does not target any individual or group based on their racial, ethnic or religious background.