Shortly prior to 11 p.m. Monday evening members of the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) found a 47-year-old Dartmouth man unconscious in their cells. It appeared his condition resulted from self-inflicted actions.

The male had been arrested and brought to cells by police at approximately 10:15 p.m. under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act for being intoxicated in public. Once discovered by staff in the cell, emergency medical assistance was applied and the man was soon transferred to the QEII hospital. His condition remains grave.

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.

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: Media Release