News release

Review of Arrest and Detention of Victoria Paul Completed

Justice

Justice Minister Ross Landry today, May 24, released the results of an independent review into the arrest and detention of Victoria Rose Paul by the Truro Police Service.

The review was ordered by the province in August 2011 and conducted by Nadine Cooper Mont. The report makes 13 recommendations -- two for the province and 11 for the Truro Police Service.

Ms. Paul was arrested on Aug. 28, 2009. While in custody, she suffered a massive stroke and later died in hospital on Sept. 5, 2009.

"I first want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Victoria Paul," said Mr. Landry. "While this report clarifies the facts about what happened to Ms. Paul, it is disturbing and difficult to read.

"I want to assure the family and Nova Scotians that I take all of the recommendations seriously and I will work with Truro police and other police agencies to help ensure something like this never happens again."

The recommendations for the Department of Justice focus on provincial police standards with respect to lock-up facilities. The report recommends clarifying the standards and the role and purpose of annual lock-up inspections.

"I accept the two recommendations relating to the Department of Justice and our role in lock-up facilities and we will begin working immediately to implement these recommendations," said Mr. Landry. "We will also review all of the other recommendations and ensure that the system and all police agencies learn from this tragic incident and make improvements."

The Department of Justice will take the following steps to address the recommendations outlined in the report:

  • Immediately issue a directive to all municipal police agencies and the RCMP to reiterate the current police standards for lock-ups
  • Begin work to implement the two recommendations specific to Department of Justice and police standards
  • Meet with Truro Police Service to discuss its plan to address the 11 recommendations specific to it
  • Strike a working group to review all of the recommendations in the report
  • Issue a progress report in six months

To read the full investigative report into the arrest and detention of Ms. Paul visit www.gov.ns.ca/just/vp_inv.asp .