Posted:
(2:24 PM)
Serious Incident Response Team
The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) arrested a male member of the Halifax Regional Police earlier today, Dec. 11, on an allegation of sexual assault.
In early November, SIRT received a complaint from a female alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a male police officer. At that time, SIRT began the investigation that led to today's arrest. The officer has been released on a promise to appear with conditions. He is due to appear in provincial court on Feb. 13.
SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, which includes allegations of sexual assault. 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.
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Public Statement from Halifax Regional Police
The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has advised us that this morning they arrested one of our male police constables, who has been with Halifax Regional Police for four years, on an allegation of sexual assault. Charges have yet to be laid in this matter so we are not in a position to release the officer’s name. SiRT’s investigation is on-going and the officer’s name will only be released if and when charges are laid and the information has been sworn.
We do not yet have a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. We respect that SiRT is currently in the throes of their investigation, and are confident this information is forthcoming. At that point, we will be in a position to make a determination on whether or not the officer will be suspended.
Allegations against our officers are very troubling, particularly given that we are expected to be beyond reproach. As can be expected, these situations are difficult for the department, our citizens and everyone involved.
We support the mandate of SiRT and have the utmost confidence in SiRT’s investigative team to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into this matter.