[HRPD Release]

A Halifax Regional Police Officer faces criminal charges as a result of an incident that occurred on Thursday, December 10.

Information was obtained that evening which alleged the officer extorted money from a person whom he came into contact with in the course of his duties earlier the same day. As a result of the subsequent investigation, the officer was arrested at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 12 while on duty and charged early this morning.

Twenty-nine-year old Constable Jeffrey Buchanan, who has been with the Department for 41/2 years, was released on bail by a Justice of the Peace and is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court on January 26, 2010 to face charges of extortion and breach of trust. The investigation into this matter is ongoing and further charges are anticipated. Further, Cst. Buchanan has been suspended from Halifax Regional Police pending the outcome of this matter.