Investigation into HRP Officers Begins

On May 10, 2013 at approximately 2 p.m., Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officers responded to a complaint from a landlord in relation to a female tenant at an apartment building in Fairview.
 
Police made a decision to arrest the woman under provisions of the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act. During the arrest, they discovered the woman had suffered a serious knife wound to the abdomen. EHS was immediately called. The woman was taken to the QE II hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. 
 
As a result of the original incident, HRP referred the matter to the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). They responded Friday afternoon and have assumed responsibility for the investigation.
 
The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.  Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.
 
The Team can independently launch an investigation, or begin one 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 results of the investigation within three months after it is finished.

Media Contact:

Ron MacDonald, QC
Director
Serious Incident Response Team
902-718-9707
macdonrj@gov.ns.ca