Investigation into October, 2014 Arrest of 16-year-old Male by CBRPS

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has commenced an investigation into the arrest of a 16-year-old male by members of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service (CBRPS) on Saturday, October 4, 2014.

On January 19, 2015, SiRT received a complaint from the mother of the youth suggesting that excessive force was used during the male’s arrest.  A statement was taken from the youth two days later. The incident is alleged to have occurred on the above date, between 8 to 9 p.m. At that time, two members of the CBRPS attempted to arrest two persons they believed were breaking into a container on the property of Olympic Shoe Repair at 420 Prince Street in Sydney.  One of the youths ran off, while the other was arrested by two officers. That youth now alleges those officers used excessive force during the arrest. Other officers arrived on scene and the youth was taken into custody. The youth was charged with offences including break and enter and resisting arrest.

SiRT has determined the particular allegations are such that SiRT should assume this investigation under SiRT’s public interest mandate. Anyone who may have witnessed the interactions between the officers and the male are asked to contact SiRT, toll free, at 1-855-450-2010.

All SiRT 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
Serious Incident Response Team
902-718-9707
ronald.j.macdonald@novascotia.ca