News release

Bridgewater RCMP Officer Under Investigation

SIRT

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team is investigating allegations of domestic violence involving a Bridgewater RCMP officer.

On Tuesday, Aug. 7, the Bridgewater Police Service and RCMP became aware of allegations of domestic violence involving an RCMP officer from the Bridgewater detachment. In accordance with Police Act requirements, the Bridgewater Police Service and the RCMP notified the Serious Incident Response Team. SIRT responded late Tuesday afternoon and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

A male officer of the Bridgewater RCMP is in custody. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court today, Aug. 8. He is expected to face charges of assault, sexual assault and uttering threats relating to matters alleged to have occurred between Dec. 1, 2010, and Aug. 7, 2012.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

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.