Specialized crime fighting unit could get cut

Saint John Police Chief Bill Reid said he is worried the New Brunswick government may cut funding for a team known as theSaferCommunities andNeighbourhoods (SCAN) unit.

The team of officers, under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act of 2009,hasthe powerto hold owners responsible for properties where illegal activitiesroutinely occur.

Through this process, the SCAN unit may apply to the court to have owners remove fortifications that pose a threat to public safety, order them to stop illegal activity, and, if necessary, close the buildings.

Though the unit was created just two years ago, Reid said it is making abig difference in Saint John.

"There is a strong suggestion that the provincial government is not going to pick up that program in 2013," said Reid. "That would[require] a significant call for service fromthe force. Significant."

Reid is urging city council to lobby the provincial government to continue funding the unit.