Fractured Ankle during RCMP – Port Hawkesbury Arrest Investigated

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has commenced an investigation that will examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a female youth on the Waycobah First Nation late on the evening of August 23, 2017.

Shortly before midnight, a member of the RCMP – Port Hawkesbury received a call about a complaint of an intoxicated person refusing to leave a residence on the Waycobah First Nation. The officer attended at the complainant’s address. The female youth was noted to be intoxicated, and while being escorted from the home she ran from police. She was arrested shortly after and lodged in RCMP cells in Port Hawkesbury overnight. The next morning, she was taken to hospital to be assessed. She was later released by medical personnel and driven home by the RCMP.

Approximately a week later, medical records demonstrated that the female had suffered a fracture to her ankle. As a result of that injury the matter was referred to SiRT, who commenced an investigation on September 5.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact SiRT, toll free, at 1-855-450-2010.

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