About Us

The Annapolis Royal Police has a long history of serving the Town of Annapolis Royal.

Our first documented officer was Rose Fortune. ( Circa 1825 )

She began working as a baggage carrier, transporting luggage and provisions from ships, which she would deliver in her wheelbarrow. Later, she implemented a rudimentary “wake-up call” service in which she would alert people at nearby inns in danger of missing departing ships. Fortune also imposed and enforced curfews at the wharves and the surrounding area, hence enforcing the law at early Annapolis Royal. Many consider her the first policewoman in Canada.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/rose-fortune

Rose Fortune (March 13, 1774 – February 20, 1864)

Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management, 1850

Noted for her vigorous protection of her clients’ property, she soon became the town’s unofficial waterfront police officer circa 1825

Today the Annapolis Royal Police Service still serves proudly the residents and visitors of the small Town of Annapolis Royal deep in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia.
The police service today has both sworn and auxiliary officers.

The Annapolis Royal Police Service is governed by the Annapolis Police Commission under the authority of the Nova Scotia Police Act. The Police Commission, which meets monthly, consists of in total five representatives that are selected from the Town Council and the community along with an appointed representative. The Chief of Police is directly responsible to the Police Commission and thereby the citizens of Annapolis Royal.