Update: December 6, 2023, 5:50 p.m.
As a result of an independent investigation conducted by the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), it has been determined that no serious injuries were sustained by the affected person and the evidence indicates that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the subject officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the arrest.
A summary of the SiRT Investigation can be found here: 2023-023-summary-of-investigation.pdf (gnb.ca)
The Saint John Police remain committed to the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and transparency to maintain public trust and confidence.
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File#23-2157
The Saint John Police has referred a complaint against a Saint John Police Officer to the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) for independent investigation.
It is reported that:
On April 12, 2023, at approximately 3:58 p.m., officers were called to an intoxicated man causing a disturbance in the area of Waterloo Street.
Officers located the suspect who fled on foot. He was subsequently arrested by officers for obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest.
The accused later lodged a formal complaint alleging he was assaulted by one of the officers and sustained an injury.
“The Saint John Police considers complaints involving the use of force serious and we continue to hold our members to the highest standard of accountability in this respect. We are confident that SiRT will conduct a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation. We are committed to maintaining public trust and confidence” says Chief R.M. Bruce.
The subject officer will remain on active duty pending the outcome of the SiRT investigation.
SiRT is an investigative agency, independent of the police, whose mandate is to investigate 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.
Any further inquiries can be directed to the Serious Incident Response Team (1-855-450-2010 or sirt@gov.ns.ca)
