SiRT to Investigate Allegation of Sexual Assault Against RCMP Member

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating an allegation of sexual assault made against a member of the RCMP.

Today, December 12, a female made a complaint to the RCMP in relation to a highway traffic stop on Highway 101 which occurred yesterday at Exit 25 near Digby. She alleges that during the traffic stop she was searched by a male RCMP officer and touched inappropriately.

As a result of the incident, SiRT was contacted and has assumed responsibility for the investigation into these matters. The Police Act gives SiRT sole jurisdiction over the investigation of sexual assault allegations made against a police officer. All SiRT investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call SiRT at 1-855-450-2010.

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
ronald.j.macdonald@novascotia.ca