SiRT Concludes Investigation into Police Use of Force

The Interim Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) found no reasonable grounds to believe that a Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officer committed a criminal offence in connection with an incident that resulted in a man suffering serious injuries.

On May 12, 2023, HRP contacted the SiRT regarding an incident that took place on January 4, 2023. HRP responded to a 911 call regarding an assault in progress involving a male and female known to each other. Both were uncooperative with the police and when they tried to arrest the male, he resisted. Police were required to use force to place him into a police vehicle. The next day, he was diagnosed with a broken leg.  A review of the evidence resulted in a conclusion that although this was an unfortunate situation, no criminal charges were warranted against the officer.  

The full report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca

SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and domestic violence or other matters of significant public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia. 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: