ST..JOHNS (CBC) - The provincial government announced the details Monday of its $3.7 million 2008 budget commitment to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, including hiring new officers and renovating the force's headquarters in St. John's.

Justice Minister Jerome Kennedy said the province will spend $718,400 to hire seven new officers to double the number working on the RNC's drug team, to create a new canine unit by hiring an officer and acquiring a police dog, and to purchase additional vehicles.

"It is important to prevent the spread of illegal drugs within our society which is why increasing the number of officers on the RNC drug team and creating a canine unit was a priority for this year," Kennedy said in a news release.

Kennedy said $102,700 has been allocated for an Internet Crime and Child Sexual Exploitation Unit consisting of one officer and one civilian.

The province has also set aside $1.4 million for the second phase of renovations to Fort Townshend, the RNC headquarters in St. John's.

RNC Chief Joe Browne commended the province for its commitment to policing.

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