News release

Investigation into Halifax Regional Police Discontinued

SIRT

The province's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has ended an investigation into the Halifax Regional Police because the complainant was not seriously injured.

On Dec. 15, 2012, Halifax Regional Police arrested a 47-year-old Middle Musquodoboit man after stopping a vehicle in Dartmouth on Chappell Street, between Richard Street and Wyse Road. There was an altercation. The man went to a doctor and believed the arrest left him with fractured ribs. He filed a complaint with SIRT on Dec. 21.

However, an x-ray later showed his ribs were not fractured. SIRT received this information and informed the man.

As a result, the investigation has been discontinued. SIRT's mandate includes the investigation of serious injuries which may arise from the actions of the police. Serious injuries include fractures to limbs, ribs, head or spine. In this case, the injuries no longer fit SIRT's mandate.

Individuals who wish to complain to police about something that does not meet the SIRT mandate may file a complaint directly with the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner of Nova Scotia. They may also file a complaint at the police agency or with the local board of police commissioners in the municipality in which the incident occurred.

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 independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

SIRT can independently launch an investigation or begin one 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.

More information on the SIRT can be found at http://sirt.novascotia.ca .