Ontario Police Officers to Conduct External Investigation

Three officers from the Ontario Provincial Police, or OPP, will conduct the external investigation into the death of James Guy Bailey. Mr. Bailey died May 17, 2000, while in the custody of the Cape Breton Regional Police.

Det. Insp. Donald MacNeil, Det. Staff Sgt. Mark Van Zant, and Det. Const. Shawn Evans will begin their investigation immediately. They will be supported by Halifax Regional Police, and any technical services required will be provided by the RCMP.

"We are grateful to the OPP for providing us with the services of these senior officers," said Justice Minister Michael Baker. "We felt an out-of-province police force was the most appropriate choice given the ongoing and emotional debate that continues with respect to policing in Cape Breton."

The investigation will include a review of all documents, reports, files, and analysis of all related materials within the control of the Cape Breton Regional Police. It will also include interviews with any employees of the Cape Breton Regional Police service who, in the view of the investigators, have information relating to the death of Mr. Bailey.

Once completed, the report of the three officers will be provided to the justice minister.