Agency Ready to Investigate Police

For the first time, an independent agency will investigate serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

The Serious Incident Response Team is ready to take cases starting today, April 20.

"This is a historic day for policing in Nova Scotia," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "This independent agency will give Nova Scotians utmost confidence in the investigation of serious incidents involving police."

The agency will investigate serious matters such as death, serious injury, sexual assault, or other public-interest concerns involving the police. It can independently launch an investigation or it can 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 creation of the Serious Incident Response Team marks a new chapter in the Nova Scotia justice system and brings a level of front-line accountability that Nova Scotians have asked for," said Ronald MacDonald, Serious Incident Response Team director. "We intend to meet the high expectations of the government, the police and especially the public,"

The agency has two civilian investigators with more than 66 years of combined policing experience, two full-time seconded investigators, and will utilize other seconded police resources as required. Decision-making authority will reside solely with the civilian director.

Amendments to the Police Act to create the Serious Incident Response Team were passed by the legislature in fall 2010.

More information can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/just/SIRT.asp .