News release

RCMP, Bridgewater Police Service Reports Released

SIRT

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) released two investigative summary reports today, Nov. 7.

One report deals with an incident referred on June 28, of a domestic violence allegation against a member of the Northeast Nova Scotia District RCMP. The second report concerns a member of the Bridgewater Police Service who the SIRT charged in August with two offences of assault, alleged to have happened in July.

Both reports are available at www.gov.ns.ca/just/sirt.asp.

In the first report, an investigation into a Northeast Nova Scotia RCMP member describes how the RCMP received information that created reasonable suspicion a domestic assault had occurred, including the fact that an RCMP member's spouse had signs of a lower leg injury. The RCMP referred the matter to the SIRT. After the SIRT obtained evidence from the spouse, her son, and the person who provided the original information, the director, Ron MacDonald, concluded:

"In the end, available evidence indicated that the woman fell accidentally, therefore removing any reasonable and probable grounds to proceed with any criminal charge."

The second report investigated Bridgewater Police Service Cst. Christine Bonnell. The case was referred by the Bridgewater Police Service on Aug. 1. The SIRT laid two charges of common assault against Cst. Bonnell on Aug. 24. A trial is scheduled for March 22 and 25, 2013.

SIRT 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 the independent civilian director.

SIRT 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 public complaint.

The Police Act requires the director to file a public report summarizing the results of the investigation within three months after it is finished. A copy of the summary is also to be provided to the Minister of Justice and the police agency involved.