SIRT Concludes Investigation into Death in HRP Cells

The Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) found no reasonable grounds to believe that members of the Halifax Regional Police committed a criminal offence in connection with the tragic death of a man who died after time in police cells.

The SiRT was contacted by HRP on December 14, 2023, regarding a male that was taken into custody related to a home invasion and assault late on December 13, 2023. The male was monitored in cells according to police policy. The male went into medical distress after an attempt at suicide. Police provided first aid, EHS was contacted and he was transported to hospital. He died in hospital on December 15, 2023, after cessation of medical intervention.

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

The SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of public interest 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.

Suicide is a complex public health and safety issue. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line toll-free at 1-888-429-8167 or call 911. For less urgent situations, support for mental health, addiction and wellbeing is available for children, youth and adults, and information can be found at: : https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

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