News release

Incident Involving Halifax Regional Police Under Investigation

SIRT

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team is investigating an incident where a man in Halifax Regional Police custody needed to be taken to hospital early today, June 13.

At about 3:15 a.m., Halifax Regional Police officers responded to an alarm at a Needs convenience store on Chebucto Road. A 27-year-old man was arrested at the scene. While in police holding cells pending a court appearance, he developed medical concerns that required him to be taken to hospital.

In accordance with the Police Act, the Halifax Regional Police referred the incident to the Serious Incident Response Team, which 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, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. 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.