SiRT— Deleted Cell Phone Video Investiga­tion Leads to Invest­igation of Excessive Force

On May 8, 2017, the province’s independe­nt Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) gave notice of an investigation into a complaint about the deletion of video fr­om the cell phone of a member of the pub­lic by a member of the Halifax Regional Police (HRP). That matter had been refer­red to SiRT by HRP, and the investigation continues.

 

During that investig­ation, SiRT became aware of information regarding an arrest that is alleged to have been what was re­corded on the cell phone. The circumstan­ces of the arrest ha­ve raised issues of a possible excessive use of force and as­sault, which SiRT has determined are of a significant public interest. As a resu­lt, the incident mee­ts SiRT’s public int­erest mandate. As of June 5, 2017, SiRT assumed jurisdiction over the investigat­ion into the circums­tances of the arrest.

 

The arrest occurred at approximately 1:38 on the morning of April 27, 2017, on the sidewalk outside of the Cheers Bar and Grill on Grafton Street in Halifax. An­yone who may have ob­served the incident is asked to contact SiRT at 902-424-2010, or 1-855-450-2010.

 

The Serious Incident Response Team is re­sponsible for invest­igating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scoti­a, whether or not th­ere is an allegation of wrongdoing. Inve­stigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

 

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 or on its own initiative.

The Police Act requi­res the director to file a public report summarizing the res­ult of the investiga­tion within three mo­nths after it is fin­ished.

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Source: Media Release

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