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Investigation opened regarding HRP Arrest

Jul
03

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) today commenced an investigation into the arrest of a 33-year-old man by two Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officers on July 2nd.

Earlier in the day police went to the man’s home to check on his compliance with court ordered house arrest. The man was not present.  Shortly after 5:30 p.m. the man was found at an address on Springhill Road in Dartmouth. He was arrested for breaching his court conditions and taken to HRP cells. During the night he complained of an injury to his hand and was taken to the QEII hospital, where it was determined he had suffered a fracture to a bone in his hand.

As a result of the injury, in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act, HRP contacted SiRT this morning at which time SiRT assumed responsibility for the investigation into the circumstances of the arrest.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

The team can independently begin an investigation after a referral from a chief of police, the head of the RCMP in Nova Scotia or the Minister of Justice. It can also investigate after a complaint from the public.

The Police Act requires the director to file a public report summarizing the result of the investigation within three months after it is finished.

Media Contact:

Ron MacDonald, QC

Director

902-718-9707

Ronald.j.macdonald@novascotia.ca