**** SiRT Media Release
No Charges Against Cape Breton Police Officer in Assault Complaint
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The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) released its report today regarding allegations of physical and sexual assault committed by a Cape Breton Regional Police Officer.
On February 13, 2021, SiRT was contacted by a parent of two Affected Persons (APs) stating they had been physically and sexually assaulted by the other parent, the Subject Officer (SO). They alleged the incidents happened several years ago when they were between 6 and 12 years of age.
As part of the investigation, SiRT interviewed the parent reporting the incident, the APs, and the SO. The SO denied the allegations of sexual assault and submitted to a polygraph examination which the SO passed.
Based on the totality of the information and evidence gathered, it was determined that life in the home was turbulent, and the SO was prone to angry outburst, but there was insufficient evidence amounting to reasonable and probable grounds to lay a charge of sexual assault against the officer.
The full report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca
Bridgewater Police Officer Charged
with Fraud
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The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has charged a 40-year-old Bridgewater Police Officer with fraud.
SiRT received information from the Bridgewater Police Service on March 9, 2021, which led it to begin an investigation. The investigation concluded today, October 14, 2021, with the laying of two charges of fraud against Constable Troy Vanderlinden.
Constable Vanderlinden is to appear in Provincial Court in Bridgewater on November 24, 2021.
SiRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of the independent civilian director Felix Cacchione, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.
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.
