(Ed: Updated with response from HRP)

SiRT release:

The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) today released a report announcing the laying of a charge of assault against a member of the Halifax Regional Police (HRP).  

Cst. Mark Pierce will appear in Halifax provincial court on November 17, 2020 regarding the assault charge. The charge against the officer relates to injuries sustained by a 15-year-old youth during his arrest outside Bedford Place Mall on February 21, 2020.

The full report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca.

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Felix Cacchione MacDonald, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.

HRP release:

HRP statement following SiRT investigation report into Bedford Mall incident

Further to a report released by Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) today related to an incident involving our officers at the Bedford Mall in February, below is a statement by Halifax Regional Police:

“Earlier today, we received a report released by the Serious Incident Response Team related to an incident to which HRP officers responded in February at the Bedford Mall.

“The completion of SiRT’s investigation is an important step in the process. We are currently reviewing the report in order to determine our next steps. Following charges laid by SiRT against one of the officers involved, this incident will now be subject to the court process, and we must allow that process to take its course.

“Halifax Regional Police is committed to its efforts to build trust with communities we serve. We recognize that this incident has been the subject of significant public interest, and in every instance, it is important to let due process unfold.”

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