The Nova Scotia RCMP is sharing the following media release from the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) in relation to its independent investigation into an allegation of excessive use of force against an RCMP member posted to West Hants Detachment.
I want to reassure Nova Scotians that we take this allegation very seriously and will be cooperating fully with SiRT. The member has been placed on administrative duties and we have initiated an internal code of conduct investigation. The member's duty status will be reassessed upon the outcome of SiRT's independent investigation and the code of conduct investigation.
Given the matter is now being investigated by SiRT, the RCMP will respectfully refrain from discussing further details.
Media release issued by SiRT:
SiRT Investigates Possible Assault
The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating a possible assault due to excessive use of force involving a youth in police cells.
On May 3, 2024, the West Hants RCMP and the Department of Community Services each independently contacted the SiRT regarding an incident involving a youth. Preliminary information suggests the following:
- On March 8, 2024, members of the West Hants RCMP arrested a vulnerable female youth.
- When placing her in police cells, a struggle ensued between the youth and two officers.
- The youth struck one of the officers and one of the officers struck the youth multiple times.
The SiRT has assumed responsibility for this investigation as this is a matter that is in the public interest to be investigated.
The SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of a public interest to be investigated that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation.
Media Contact:
Erin Nauss
Director
902-497-5137