News release

Serious Incident Response Team Strengthens Operations

Justice

Amendments introduced today, April 15, will help continue the success of the team that investigates serious incidents involving police.

"In the past, Nova Scotians have asked whether it was right to have police investigate police," said Justice Minister Lena Diab. "The Serious Incident Response Team was created so there would be an independent body to investigate serious incidents involving police. The amendments proposed today strengthen SiRT's operations and ensure its continued independence."

The minor changes will be made to the Police Act and the Fatality Investigations Act.

The amendments to the Police Act allow a crown attorney to be appointed as acting director during short-term absences and permit SiRT to conduct investigations in other provinces. The changes also broaden the legislation to include cases of significant public interest, such as a police shooting where no one is hurt.

An amendment to the Fatality Investigations Act designates members of SiRT as medical examiner's investigators. When necessary, they would act under the medical examiner's direction, similar to police officers in Nova Scotia.

"The last 24 months have shown the positive impact that independent and transparent investigation of serious incidents involving police can have in this province," said SiRT director Ron MacDonald. "These amendments ensure our ongoing success by clarifying legislation where experience has shown some small changes would be helpful."

SiRT became operational in April 2012. The team has civilians and seconded police officers for a balance between independence and operational effectiveness.

For more information about SiRT, visit http://sirt.novascotia.ca/ .