Incident Involving Bridgewater Police Service Under Investigation

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team is investigating an allegation of domestic violence involving a police officer from the Bridgewater Police Service.

Bridgewater police responded to a 911 call near midnight on Tuesday, July 31. While investigating an impaired-driving complaint, Bridgewater police became aware of allegations of assault involving one of their officers.

In accordance with the Police Act, the Bridgewater Police Service referred the incident to the Serious Incident Response Team, which assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. This includes all allegations of domestic violence involving police.

Its 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.