The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is a civilian led police oversight agency responsible for conducting investigations into death, serious injury, sexual assault, intimate partner violence or any matter of public interest that may have arisen from the actions of a police officer. The SiRT has jurisdiction over municipal policing agencies and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). If an incident meets the SiRT mandate, the Director may authorize a criminal investigation. The SiRT conducts thorough and objective investigations by gathering and assessing evidence. When the Director determines there are grounds to lay a criminal charge, they release a public report, and the matter is then referred to the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. When the Director determines there are no grounds to lay a charge, they release a public report outlining the relevant facts and reasons for that decision. This allows the public to understand the basis for the decision. The Director is independent of the police and government, gives general direction over all investigations, and is the final decision maker.  

 

The SiRT investigates matters in Nova Scotia pursant to the Police Act. The SiRT recently assumed responsibility for the investigation of serious incidents involving police in New Brunswick. This website will be updated to reflect this soon.