Investigation Process
SiRT investigates matters in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick based on requirements of the Police Act in each province.
How Do We Decide If SiRT Should Be Involved?
The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) assess whether a matter meets its mandate based on specific criteria: whether there is a serious injury or death, allegations of sexual assault or intimate partner violence, or is a matter of public interest to be investigated, when the incident may have resulted from the actions of a police officer. SiRT’s goal is to ensure thorough investigations that uphold accountability and transparency.
Investigation Steps
- When an incident is reported to SiRT, the Director determines if it meets the SiRT mandate to be investigated.
- Police agencies are required to report incidents to SiRT as soon as they become aware, however, incidents can also be reported by members of the public.
- An investigation only takes place if the case fits the specific criteria for a SiRT investigation, which is set out by law.
- If an incident meets the mandate for SiRT’s involvement, a thorough investigation is immediately started. This can include interviews, gathering evidence, reviewing medical reports, communicating with other agencies, and appointing a community liaison, where appropriate.
- When the investigation is complete, the SiRT investigator provides a report to the SiRT Director. The Director then makes an independent decision if charges should be laid.
- When a decision is made the Director issues a public report, and the findings are communicated to the officer under investigation, the person impacted by the serious incident as well as the police agency where the officer is employed and the Minister of Justice (NS) or Minister of Public Safety (NB).
- If a charge is laid by the Director, SiRT turns the case over to the appropriate prosecution service.
Referral
to Director
Does it
meet the
mandate?
Referral to Director
Does it meet the mandate?
Defining Serious Injuries in SiRT Investigations
A serious injury includes:
- fractures to limbs, ribs, head or spine
- burns, cuts, or lacerations that are serious or affect a major portion of the body
- loss of any portion of the body
- serious internal injuries
- any injury caused by gunshot
- significant number of stitches
- admission to hospital as a result of the injury (not including outpatient care followed by release).
Understanding the Investigation Process: A Comprehensive Overview
Accountability
The SiRT investigative team keeps the Director informed throughout the investigation of their work and the progress being made. When the investigation is complete, the primary investigator is required to submit an investigative report that is reviewed by the Director.
According to law the SiRT Director cannot be a current or former police officer.
Transparency
The Serious Incident Response Team will issue a media release at the start of a case (unless the case involves sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or the release could impact the investigation) to assure the public that an independent investigation of the serious incident has begun. A news release is issued at the end of most investigations. Other releases may be issued during the investigation when necessary.
Community Liaisons
Community liaisons are appointed to work with SiRT when appropriate. They help remove communication barriers and explain the role of SiRT to members of the impacted community. Liaisons provide cultural, historical and community background advice that will help SiRT interact with and understand the needs of the Affected Party, their family, and community members.
Decisions Following a SiRT Investigation
At the conclusion of every investigation, the SiRT Director will determine if criminal charges should be laid.
The Director will issue a public summary report of the investigation that outlines the reasons for their decision. When a charge is laid by the Director, it is referred to the appropriate prosecution service.
A news release is issued at the end of most investigations.
Additional Resources
Help is available through external resources for people experiencing a crisis and for those who are looking for guidance on how to navigate victim services. You are not alone. Here is a list of helpful resources.