Police Court Liaison Office – St. John’s, NL

RNC Police Court Liaison Office

The RNC Police Court Liaison Office represents a critical juncture in the administration of justice in Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as the operational interface between the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. While physically located within the Atlantic Place complex on Water Street-which houses the St. John’s Provincial Court-this unit functions separately from the court administration itself. Its primary mandate is to ensure the seamless transition of criminal files from the investigative stage (police work) to the judicial stage (court proceedings). It is staffed by sworn RNC officers and civilian support personnel who possess specialized knowledge of both police procedures and court rules.

Case Processing and Information Swearing

One of the most vital functions of this office is the processing of the ‘Information’-the formal charging document that initiates criminal proceedings. When an RNC officer charges an individual with an offense, the file is routed to the Court Liaison Office:

• Quality Control: Liaison officers review the file for technical accuracy, ensuring that the wording of the charge aligns strictly with the Criminal Code of Canada or provincial statutes like the Highway Traffic Act.
• Swearing Process: An officer must formally swear the Information before a Justice of the Peace (JP), attesting to the grounds for the charge. This step acts as a judicial check before the accused is compelled to court.
• First Appearance Documents: The office prepares the docket for the ‘First Appearance Court’ (often Courtroom No. 7), ensuring the presiding judge and Crown Attorney have the necessary preliminary documents.

Disclosure and Crown Interaction

In the wake of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R. v. Stinchcombe, the police have a heavy burden to provide full disclosure of all evidence to the defense. The Court Liaison Office plays a pivotal role in this logistics chain:

• Evidence Management: They compile the ‘Crown Brief,’ which includes officer notes, witness statements, video surveillance, and forensic reports. This package is transmitted to the Public Prosecutions division (Crown Attorneys).
• Corrections and Follow-up: If the Crown identifies gaps in the evidence or requires further investigation (a ‘further to’), requests are routed through this office back to the investigating patrol officers or the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Witness and Officer Scheduling

To maintain the efficiency of the police force, the Liaison Office manages the scheduling of officers for court testimony. Instead of officers waiting in court all day, the Liaison staff monitor the progress of trials and summon officers only when required. This system minimizes overtime costs and keeps more officers on the street. They also handle the service of subpoenas to civilian witnesses in certain complex investigations.

Location and Public Access Limitations

It is crucial for the public to understand that this is not a public police station. You cannot report a crime, pay a ticket, or get a criminal record check at this location. Those services are provided at the RNC Provincial Headquarters on Fort Townshend. The Court Liaison Office is located on the 4th floor of Atlantic Place, in a secure area adjacent to the courtrooms and the holding cells (the ‘Lock-up’). Access is generally restricted to police personnel, court staff, and lawyers. However, the office does assist individuals who have been directed there by a judge to sign specific police-related documents, such as a Promise to Appear or an Undertaking, immediately following a court appearance.