News release

Policy Sets Out Information to be Released After Internal Investigation

Justice

The province is taking additional steps to be more open and transparent about major incidents involving people in its custody.

Justice Minister Ross Landry today, Nov. 30, released a new policy that outlines what information will be publicly released after an internal investigation into a significant event or incident within the justice system. It complements the disclosure of information on major incidents involving persons in custody policy released by the province in March.

"We want to be as open and transparent as possible to the citizens of Nova Scotia about what happens in our correctional facilities," said Mr. Landry. "The disclosure of information on major incidents policy was the first step. With this new investigations policy, we now have the most comprehensive set of policies in the country for disclosure of information relating to major incidents."

The policy defines what information will be released about internal investigations into major incidents such as assaults in custody requiring hospitalization, death in custody, escapes from custody, seizure of explosives or firearms and riots. A complete list of major incidents and updates are posted at www.gov.ns.ca/just/updates.asp .

The province also updated its major incidents policy to include a social media component, a list of the circumstances under which a release will be issued, and removing lockdown of a correctional facility as a major incident. Lockdowns will continue to be reported when they occur as a result of major incidents such as riots or major seizure of drugs or weapons.

The new policy for disclosure of information following internal investigations will also be reviewed after six months.

Information disclosure is subject to legislation, including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act. Under certain circumstances, information that might identify a victim or offender will not be released under this policy. Access to information requests will be processed under FOIPOP legislation.