and 1986, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary gradually re-expanded, replacing the RCMP in the northeast Avalon Region, parts of Labrador, and Corner Brook. In 1998, RNC officers were authorized to begin carrying their handguns on their belt. Previously, officers were required to keep their firearms locked in the trunk of their car unless they were needed. On May 3, 2005, the RNC made a formal exchange of colours with the Garda Síochána, one of two successor forces to the Royal Irish Constabulary. The exchange of colours was to mark the historic links between policing in Newfoundland and Ireland. In 2019, the force hired its first Black police officers, Paul Growns and Jevaughn Coley. In 2022, the Constabulary sparked controversy after it was revealed that a constable facing four domestic violence-related charges was granted the Chief of Police's Commendation, which recognizes "distinguished, commendable act of police duty or outstanding contribution to the RNC," during her criminal trial. Operations The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary operates out of five police stations, referred to as regional offices or detachments: St. John's - serves as the Constabulary's headquarters Conception Bay South - Detachment (of the St. John's Regional Office) Churchill Falls - Regional Office Corner Brook - Regional Office Labrador City - Detachment (of the Churchill Falls Regional Office) The Constabulary also maintains a satellite office of the St. John's Regional Office in Mount Pearl. Organizational structure Specialized units The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary maintains several specialized investigative and response units, including a tactical response team, criminal and general investigations units, a police dogs unit, a marine unit, a public order unit, and a collision reconstruction team. Mounted unit The RNC has operated a mounted unit since 1873. The current horse-mounted team was created in 2003, replacing a voluntary unit. The unit's history can be traced back to three earlier units, the Newfoundland Constabulary Mounted Force 1873-1894, New Fire Brigade Mounted Force 1895-1922, and Newfoundland Constabulary 1922-1951. The unit has four Percheron horses: Dr. Rich Townshend Fraize Dobbin Fleet The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary maintains a fleet of vehicles of models from several major automakers, such as models including but not limited to the following: Other vehicles are commissioned for special purposes, such as the Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Dog Services, Mounted Unit Transport, and Evidence Collection. 29-foot Mercury Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) with twin 200HP engines The RNC has no helicopters, and instead relies on the