Woman Alleged to Make False Complaint against Cape Breton Officer

The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) today released its report into allegations provided by a 49-year-old woman against a member of the Cape Breton Regional Police (CBRP) last summer.

On different occasions during July, August and September, Kathryn McNeil, 49, of New Waterford, made complaints to the CBRP and SiRT, regarding the actions of a member of the CBRP.  Given the matters complained of involved allegations of possible domestic violence and criminal harassment committed by a police officer, the CBRP referred the matters to SiRT.  After completing its investigation, SiRT determined that the officer should not be charged, but that charges of public mischief with intent to mislead a SiRT investigator, attempt to obstruct justice, fabricating evidence, and breach of undertaking should be laid against the woman.  Her first appearance is scheduled for February 23, 2016, in Sydney Provincial Court.

A complete copy of the report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca 

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.

Source: Media Release