Nova Scotia has appointed retired senior Crown attorney John Scott as interim director of the province’s Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), while work continues to fill the role permanently.
Scott will be replacing Ron MacDonald, who is leaving the post to join BC’s Independent Investigations Office at the end of the month.
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SiRT is responsible for investigating matters involving death, serious injury, sexual assault, domestic violence or “matters of significant public interest” that involve any police agency in the province.
Scott, who retired in 2014, says he feels his past work experience will help him in his new position. He says he consistently worked with police to determine whether charges were warranted in cases and whether more investigation was needed.
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“I was always analyzing data and making calls on it,” he said. “That’s what I did for 38 years as a Crown and I think that’s where it comes in handy.”
In a news release, Justice Minister Mark Furey said he knows Scott will be bringing skill and expertise to the position.
“I thank Mr. Scott for stepping up during this time of transition. Nova Scotians can continue to have the utmost confidence in investigations involving police,” Furey said.
Scott says he thinks SiRT plays a vital role because it both keeps police accountable and can clear their actions.
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“By having SiRT, it not only serves the public but it also serves the police,” he said.
Scott will be overseeing a team of four investigators, which includes two civilians and two seconded police officers.
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