Posted:
Public Statement by HRP
Yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m. Halifax Regional Police responded to a domestic assault call in the Armdale area and arrested one of our male officers as a result of an alleged assault on his wife. According to our obligation and per policy, we referred this matter to the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) and they assumed responsibility for the investigation. While the officer has since been suspended with pay according to the Nova Scotia Police Act, charges have yet to be laid so we’re not able to publicly release the officer’s name. Like any other citizen being investigated for a criminal offence, the officer’s name will only be released if and when charges are laid and the information has been sworn before the courts.
This is the second time in less than a month that one of our officers has been suspended in relation to a criminal investigation; SiRT is investigating both incidents and the investigations into these separate matters are on-going. These situations are difficult for the department, our citizens and the people directly involved. Allegations against our officers are very disconcerting to Halifax Regional Police, particularly given that officers are expected to be beyond reproach. We’ve asked our employees to continue to serve our community with the utmost professionalism and pride during these challenging times.
We support the mandate of SiRT and have the utmost confidence in SiRT’s investigative team to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into yesterday’s incident. -----------------------
Halifax Police Officer Investigated for Domestic Violence
Issued by Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT)January 4, 2013 9:46 AM
The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating an allegation of domestic violence against a member of the Halifax Regional Police.
At about 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, the Halifax Regional Police received a 911 call from a home in the Armdale area. On arrival, the wife of a male Halifax Regional Police officer made an allegation of assault against him. As a result, the male was arrested, and in accordance with the Police Act, the Halifax Regional Police referred the incident to the Serious Incident Response Team, which assumed responsibility for the investigation.
No charges have been laid at this point. He has been released on conditions by the SIRT to attend provincial court in Halifax on Tuesday, Feb. 19. The investigation is ongoing.
SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.
The team 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.