Investigation
In-Custody Suicide Attempt Leads to Brain Injury
Date Published: 2017-03-07
Province: Nova Scotia
Police Agency: Halifax Regional Police
Summary
At 10:42p.m. on August 22, 2016 a 47-year-old male, the Affected Person (AP), was found by members of the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) unconscious in his cell at HRP headquarters. He had attempted to hang himself by tying his sw eater around the cell block door. He was taken to the QEII hospital, where it was confirmed he had suffered a serious brain injury from lack of oxygen. Due to his injuries, HRP contacted SiRT at 11:30p.m. at which time an investigation was commenced into the circumstances of AP’s injuries. The investigation was completed on December 7, 2016. During the investigation statements were taken from six civilian witnesses and reports were received from three witness police officers. In addition, the investigation received and reviewed the following information: – AP’s medical records – Relevant file materials from HRP – Relevant HRP Custodial Care of Prisoners & The Use of Video Cameras Policies – Video of AP’s arrival at cells and his entire stay until taken t…