A significant majority of Halifax residents who participated in a recent survey have expressed support for the implementation of alternative response models for certain emergency calls, moving beyond a traditional police-only approach.
Survey Reveals Public Appetite for Change
The survey, conducted in early 2026, asked community members for their views on how the Halifax Regional Police and the municipality handle public safety. The results indicate a clear public desire to explore different ways of managing non-violent emergencies, particularly those involving mental health, wellness checks, or social disorder.
While the exact percentage of supportive respondents was not detailed in the initial report, the finding that a majority are in favour signals a potential shift in community expectations. This aligns with broader national conversations about reimagining public safety and deploying the most appropriate resources to each situation.
Understanding Alternative Response Models
Alternative response models typically involve sending teams other than, or in addition to, armed police officers to specific types of calls. These teams can include mental health professionals, social workers, or specially trained community safety officers.
The goal is to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with needed services, rather than entering a law enforcement framework for what may be a health or social crisis. Proponents argue this leads to better outcomes for vulnerable individuals and allows police to focus on crime prevention and violent incidents.
Several other Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton, have piloted or launched similar programs in recent years, often in partnership with local health authorities.
Context and Next Steps for Halifax
This survey data, gathered and reported in January 2026, provides valuable public input for Halifax Regional Council and police leadership as they consider future policy and budgeting decisions. The call for alternative models comes amid ongoing discussions about police funding, accountability, and community relations across Canada.
Implementing such changes would require careful planning, new partnerships with healthcare providers, and significant training. It would also necessitate clear protocols for dispatching and co-response between different agencies. The survey results suggest the community is open to this evolution in how safety and service are delivered.
As Halifax reviews this feedback, the next steps will likely involve detailed feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and the development of pilot project proposals to test alternative response frameworks in specific neighbourhoods or for defined types of incidents.
