News release

Agency Begins First Investigation

SIRT

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team has received its first case.

The Halifax Regional Police received a call Saturday, April 21, at about 7:30 p.m. about a woman acting out of the ordinary in the street near the intersection of McAlpine and Chisholm avenues in Halifax.

Two officers responded, and after arresting the woman, it was noted that she had a non-life-threatening bone fracture. This injury met the definition of "serious injury" under the SIRT provisions of the Police Act.

In accordance with the Police Act requirements, the Halifax Regional Police referred the incident to the Serious Incident Response Team, who assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The Serious Incident Response Team is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, to call 902-424-2010.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

The agency began its mandate Friday, April 20.

Its investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

The Serious Incident Response Team 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 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.