Police watchdog investigates two allegations against same NS RCMP officer

HALIFAX – The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has been called in to investigate two incidents involving the same RCMP officer.

SiRT confirms they have started an investigation involving a male RCMP member and two separate allegations of assault and sexual assault. The assault is alleged to involve a female RCMP member. The sexual assault, which involved inappropriate touching, is alleged to involve a female employee.

Both incidents are believed to have occurred during a three day RCMP meeting at a private facility in Queen’s County, N.S. The assault was alleged to have occurred on March 24th, and the sexual assault the following day.

The complainant in the sexual assault case came forward to police on March 30th, when the incident was sent to SiRT. The next day, further information was received, which led to the assault investigation starting.

Nova Scotia RCMP confirm an internal Code of Conduct investigation is underway. The male RCMP officer has been suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the investigations.

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.