Head of Province’s Independent Police Oversight Body Retiring

Felix Cacchione, Director of Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), will retire at the end of May.

The former Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice has been in the position for more than four years, following a 32-year career on the bench and 11 years practising criminal law.

“I want to thank retired Justice Cacchione for his service to the people of Nova Scotia and his outstanding leadership heading the SiRT,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Brad Johns. “The knowledge and skills he brought to his position cemented the SiRT’s reputation as a highly regarded civilian-led police oversight body.”

The process to hire a new director has begun. An interim director will be appointed in the coming weeks to allow the Province time to appoint a permanent director.

SiRT investigates all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and domestic violence or other matters of significant public interest that arise from the actions of any police agency across the province.

In addition to the director, SiRT comprises a team of four investigators and an administrative support person.

Quotes:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure at SiRT, and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve the people of Nova Scotia. I have witnessed first-hand the dedication, professionalism and integrity of the investigators who work hard to ensure Nova Scotians have the utmost trust and confidence in the investigation of serious incidents involving police.”

– Felix Cacchione, retiring Director, Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team

Quick Facts:

• SiRT averages about 25 investigations per year; in 2019-20, it conducted 36 investigations, including two in New Brunswick
• New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island reached an agreement in principle in 2021 that will allow SiRT to act as the police oversight body for the three Maritime provinces
• the new Maritimes arrangement is expected to become official by the end of the year

Additional Resources:

More information on SiRT is available at: https://sirt.novascotia.ca/