Investigative Reports Into Lunenburg and Indian Brook RCMP Released

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) released two summary reports today, Dec. 12.

 

One report deals with a referral from Aug. 7 involving an allegation of domestic violence against a member of the Lunenburg District RCMP that resulted in SIRT laying four charges in August including assault, sexual assault, uttering threats, and careless use of a firearm. 

 

These matters are alleged to have occurred between December 2010 and Aug. 7, 2012. The investigation was initiated after a referral from the Bridgewater Police Service and RCMP. The officer's name is prohibited from publication by a court order. He is scheduled to return to Bridgewater Provincial Court on Jan. 4, 2013. 

 

The second report details allegations by a woman from Indian Brook who claimed an RCMP officer broke her arm during an arrest. The investigation showed that the individual had no independent recollection of the incident. She claimed that she was told the officer caused the injury by a second member of the RCMP. The second officer stated that the conversation did not occur and that the first officer had no contact with the woman. 

 

The woman acknowledged that she was intoxicated at the time and would accept the second officer's account of the events. Further investigation revealed the individual most likely suffered the injury prior to contact with the police due to falling as a result of her state of intoxication. 

 

"No one is able to say what caused the arm injury here, including the injured party," said Ron MacDonald, SIRT's independent director, in the report. "An examination of the totality of the circumstances leads to the conclusion that the woman injured her arm earlier in the day. There are no grounds to consider charges against any police officer in this matter."

 

Both reports can be seen at gov.ns.ca/just/sirt.asp .

 

SIRT 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 the independent civilian director. 

 

SIRT can independently launch an investigation or 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 public complaint.

 

The Police Act requires the director to file a public report summarizing the results of the investigation within three months after it is finished. A copy of the summary is also to be provided to the Minister of Justice and the police agency involved.