The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) laid four charges against, a 31-year-old member of the Halifax Regional Police (HRP).

On today’s date, two charges of assault were laid against Cst. Jacob Farr in relation to the arrest of a male on October 12, 2020. Two additional charges, one charge for obstruction of a peace officer and one charge of breach of trust were also laid for failing to report his actions in police reports as required.

SiRT began its investigation on February 3, 2021, after receiving information from Halifax Regional Police.

Cst. Farr is due to appear in Provincial Court in Halifax on August 5, 2021

The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, which includes all allegations of domestic violence. All investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Felix Cacchione.

The team can independently begin an investigation 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 result of the investigation within three months after it is finished.

Source: Release #notw