(St. John’s, NL), December 6, 2017 – “Over the summer, the RNC received a complaint from a member of the public alleging inappropriate conduct by one of my officers. Due to the gravity of the allegations made by that member of the public, I contacted the Department of Justice and Public Safety and requested that an outside agency be engaged to complete a thorough and independent investigation. The Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is overseeing this investigation in conjunction with Halifax Regional Police (HRP). The police officer in question is presently assigned to non-operational administrative duties pending the findings of SiRT and HRP.”

“Criminal conduct should not be assumed because SiRT is conducting an investigation. An outside agency, such as SiRT, becomes involved when an allegation, if true, could result in a criminal code charge. I await the findings of SiRT and assure the public that inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour has no place at the RNC. Serious incidents or complaints involving police officers require independent investigators and I continue to fully support Minister Parsons and the Department of Justice and Public Safety’s plans to implement SIRT in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

 

– RNC Chief Joseph Boland

 

For media:

 

Cst. Geoffrey G. Higdon #819
Media Relations / Social Media Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
1 Fort Townshend, St. John’s, NL, A1C-2G2
Twitter: @RNC_PoliceNL
Facebook: RoyalNewfoundlandConstabulary
709-729-8658