**** Via Truro Police Service
The Truro Police Service and the Town of Truro are aware of social media posts made by members of the public regarding an incident that occurred within the Truro Police Service in June 2024.
Despite this situation being posted on social media, the incident was an internal Human Resource matter. However, given the seriousness of the allegations, there is a need to address the issue publicly.
The incident was taken very seriously by the Truro Police Service and the Town of Truro. As an immediate step, the Truro Police Service engaged members of the local African Nova Scotian community to support the impacted officer and to ensure a cultural lens and appropriate response were considered in addressing the incident.
A leader from the Truro African Nova Scotian community led a restorative process where the involved parties came together and acknowledged the impact of the incident. This process proposed a pathway forward for all involved.
Human Resources within the Town of Truro also conducted an internal review of this incident. The impacted officer did not find this resolution satisfactory.
The impacted officer then filed a complaint under the Nova Scotia Police Act. To ensure an open and transparent investigation the Truro Police Service requested a high-ranking African Nova Scotian Police leader from an outside police agency conduct this investigation. This was done to ensure the investigation was free of any bias and that an African Nova Scotian lens was applied to the situation. This investigation considered the lived experiences of African Nova Scotians, especially in relation to racial issues which are complex and deeply rooted in Nova Scotia’s history.
The investigation was taken very seriously, and all relevant evidence and facts were carefully reviewed. This investigation concluded and found the allegation was not sustained, meaning the evidence didn’t support that the incident was intentional or motivated by racism or hate.
Throughout the process, the impacted officer was given support, and his perspective was respected.
Members from Truro’s African Nova Scotia community who were involved in the restorative approach, the Truro Police Board, and Town of Truro officials were updated and informed throughout the process and on the status of the allegation.
Collectively, we acknowledge the officer has been greatly impacted by this incident.
