Nova Scotia justice department recommending some sheriffs carry guns

A criminal defence lawyer in Halifax says he has concerns about a new report from the Nova Scotia Department of Justice recommending a small number of sheriffs carry guns. 

Don Murray says even though the justice department only wants some sheriffs to be armed, escalation of violence is worrisome. 

"I don't think they need guns and in situations that are volatile enough when guns might be needed we have a very well-trained police force who is able to provide that kind of security," Murray said. 

"Accidents can happen. If there's no guns in a courtroom or in the courtroom hallways then I'm know I'm not going to get shot." 

Sheriffs currently carry batons, a mace-like spray and wear bullet-proof vests. The justice department says they want sheriffs to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to defence. 

"We would look at each activity, each place, each function on its merits and then decide based on risk does this then warrant an armed capability," said Allan Coley, Acting Deputy Chief Sheriff. 

"I want to assure people that this isn't a decision that we take lightly. It is being researched. It's still being looked at. It's still being considered, and we approach it cautiously and systematically."

The justice department is refusing to release the report because it's an internal document. But that's a concern in and of itself, Murray says.

"Let them educate us as to why they need that facility and then we can discuss as a community whether we want to accord them that authority."

The department also says this particular report contains sensitive security information about how sheriffs do their job.