The province's independent police watchdog has concluded its investigation into an incident involving a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and an injured man in Sussex, New Brunswick. The Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, that no criminal charges will be laid against the officer.
Details of the Sussex Arrest Incident
The investigation was launched following an arrest in Sussex where a man sustained injuries. The specifics of the arrest and the nature of the man's injuries have not been publicly detailed in the initial report by SIRT. The role of the independent agency is to examine cases involving police that result in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault, ensuring transparency and accountability outside of the police force's own internal reviews.
The Role of Nova Scotia's Serious Incident Response Team
While the incident occurred in New Brunswick, the investigation was handled by Nova Scotia's SIRT. This is due to an existing memorandum of understanding between the two provinces, allowing the Halifax-based watchdog to conduct independent reviews of police actions in New Brunswick. The agency, established to bolster public confidence in police oversight, operates separately from any police service.
The decision not to proceed with charges indicates that, after a thorough review of the evidence, SIRT investigators determined the officer's actions did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution. Such determinations are made based on the evidence collected, which can include witness statements, police reports, medical records, and any available video footage.
Outcome and Next Steps
With the criminal investigation closed, the matter may now be subject to internal review by the RCMP to determine if any policies or codes of conduct were breached. The findings by SIRT are typically final regarding criminal liability, but police services often conduct their own administrative reviews following such incidents.
The announcement brings a conclusion to this specific case, though it highlights the ongoing work of independent bodies in reviewing police conduct across the Maritimes. The public release of the decision is a standard part of SIRT's process to maintain transparency in its oversight function.
