SiRT— Woman suffers broken arm during arrest by HRP

SiRT— Woman suffers broken arm during arrest by HRP
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The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a 51-year-old woman Tuesday evening, August 5.   

At approximately 7:30 p.m., Halifax Regional Police (HRP) received a call from staff of a business in Dartmouth Crossing about a woman yelling and screaming without apparent cause in their parking lot. Police attended, and located the woman outside of a nearby business. 

The woman was taken into custody under the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act, and brought to the QE II hospital without incident.  The HRP officer remained with the woman while she was awaiting medical attention. During that time, a struggle with the woman occurred as he attempted to apply handcuffs for safety reasons. In the course of the struggle, her arm was broken.

As a result of the serious injury, and in accordance with the  Police Act, HRP contacted SiRT shortly before 1 a.m. this morning.  SiRT commenced its investigation with the primary investigator attending at that time.

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

Media Contact:

Ron MacDonald, QC
Director
902-718-9707
macdonrj@gov.ns.ca