Halifax Regional Police Officers Cleared in Allegation of Excessive Force

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has released its report into use of force on an adult individual referred by Halifax Regional Police.

On December 18, 2022, members of the Halifax Regional Police responded to a 911 call in relation to an intoxicated person that was causing disturbance at a residence in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The caller stated that the AP had fallen and was slightly injured but did not require medical assistance.

When officers arrived, they attempted to communicate with the AP but the level of intoxication of the AP made this very difficult. Officers arrested that individual and transported them to the booking area of the Halifax Regional Police. The AP claimed that while in the holding area they were assaulted and suffered serious injuries.

The Halifax Regional Police booking area had video surveillance that was reviewed for the purpose of this investigation. The AP was seen on video walking, talking, yelling, screaming, crying, and aggressively banging on the cell doors.

 The investigation found no evidence to support the claim that the AP had been assaulted while in the police booking area. The injury suffered by the AP was self induced, occurred before having contact with the officers and did not match the level of seriousness the AP claimed. Therefore, no charges are warranted against the officers.

A complete copy of the report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca.

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Alonzo Wright, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.

Media contact:

Alonzo Wright, KC

Director

902-222-3699