**** Justice Media Release
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick Reach SiRT Agreement
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NOTE: The following is a joint announcement with the Province of New Brunswick.
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Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have reached an agreement on oversight for serious incidents involving police in both provinces.
The agreement ensures both provinces will benefit from the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team’s (SiRT) expertise and independent police oversight in the interest of public safety.
SiRT is an independent civilian-led agency that investigates serious matters such as death, serious injury, domestic violence, sexual assault or other public-interest concerns involving police.
“Citizens of both our provinces must have confidence that serious incidents involving police are thoroughly and independently investigated,” said Brad Johns, Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “Expanding SiRT’s services enhances regional co-operation, promotes public safety and increases public confidence that investigations involving alleged police misconduct are done efficiently and professionally.”
An agreement in principle for a Nova Scotia-New Brunswick SiRT was announced in September 2021. Since then, both provinces have worked together to ensure the appropriate legislative and policy frameworks are in place.
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will share the costs, resources and benefits of the service. Additional resources include a new office in New Brunswick, as well as a new assistant director, three investigators and an administrator, who will all be based in New Brunswick. Bilingual Service will be available in both provinces. The Nova Scotia SiRT director remains responsible for the overall management of SiRT’s operations in both provinces and has the sole authority to decide whether a charge is laid.
“I am pleased with this agreement between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,” said New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Kris Austin. “It is necessary to instil public confidence in policing. Residents want to know there are checks and balances to police powers, along with accountability. We acknowledge that police officers risk their lives every day they go to work, and that their professions are incredibly difficult. The agreement guarantees impartiality and fairness in any investigations involving a New Brunswick police officer.”
Quotes:
“I am thrilled that New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have reached an agreement. This arrangement is mutually beneficial to the citizens of both provinces. I look forward to meeting members of the public and sharing with them the role that SiRT will play in the justice system working on their behalf.”
– Alonzo Wright, KC, Director, SiRT
Quick Facts:
— since 2017-2018, Nova Scotia SiRT has provided assistance on at least 21 investigations in other Atlantic Canadian jurisdictions through ad hoc agreements under Nova Scotia’s Police Act
— SiRT currently consists of six members, including a director, four investigators and an administrative assistant
— investigations under the agreement will begin once the new premises are leased, new positions are filled and the New Brunswick investigators are trained
— both provinces have made the necessary changes in legislation and related policies
Additional Resources:
More information about the Serious Incident Response Team: https://sirt.novascotia.ca/
