Police Conclude Review into Argyle Street Incident

Halifax Regional Police has concluded its review into the Argyle Street incident that occurred on February 16, 2013. Through the review, which was done at the request of Chief Jean-Michel Blais, Superintendent Sean Auld received information from the patron, doorman, responding officers and independent witnesses.

Regarding the police response, HRP has determined the responding officers acted professionally, conducted an appropriate preliminary investigation the night of the incident, and documented appropriate reports, including the names and contact information of the doorman, patron and witness. This information was added to the police records management system immediately after the incident and prior to the Facebook posting by John Wesley Chisholm.

Further, the review determined that the male officer provided his rank and last name to Mr. Chisholm as required by departmental policy, however, his surname can be interpreted as a first name.

The first responding officer states that upon arrival he observed the doorman restraining the patron on the sidewalk. The patron did not allege that he had been assaulted and the officer saw no signs of injury. The patron told the officer he wanted no further police action and he was allowed to leave with friends who agreed to take him home safely. The doorman, whom the patron is reported to have punched, also wished no further police action.

We understand that Mr. Chisholm’s vivid description of this incident on Facebook represents the public perception of violence in the downtown core. We look forward to working with government officials and community members, including Mr. Chisholm, to decrease violence in the downtown core, much of which is alcohol-related.

Source: Release