Serious Incident Response Team Lays Assault Charges

The Serious Incident Response Team has laid two assault charges against a member of the Bridgewater Police Service today, Aug. 24.

The charges are related to a domestic violence complaint received by the Bridgewater Police Service on Aug. 1, which was then referred to the Serious Incident Response Team for investigation.

Christine Bonnell, 46, of Bridgewater, faces two charges of assaulting a man. The charges are for alleged incidents in July. Ms. Bonnell was not on active duty with the Bridgewater Police Service at the time of the alleged assaults.

Ms. Bonnell is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. 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.