The province's independent police watchdog has launched an investigation following an incident in northern New Brunswick where a woman was arrested and sustained an injury. The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) confirmed it is examining the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Details of the Incident Under Scrutiny
The investigation was initiated on December 19, 2025. While specific details about the location within northern New Brunswick or the police force involved have not been publicly disclosed by SiRT, the agency's mandate is to investigate serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, or when requested in Prince Edward Island.
This standard procedure is triggered whenever a person suffers a serious injury during an interaction with law enforcement. The woman's current condition and the exact nature of her injury have not been released, as the investigation is in its early stages.
The Role of the Police Watchdog
The Serious Incident Response Team operates as an independent civilian agency. Its primary function is to ensure transparent and accountable investigations into matters such as deaths, serious injuries, sexual assaults, and other sensitive incidents involving police officers.
By taking over such investigations, SiRT aims to provide public assurance that incidents are examined objectively, separate from the police service involved. The team comprises experienced former law enforcement officers from outside the region and civilian investigators.
Investigation Process and Next Steps
The SiRT investigation will involve gathering evidence, which may include witness statements, police reports, medical records, and any available video footage. The findings will ultimately be compiled into a public report that will detail whether the actions of the involved officers were justified or if any policies were breached.
There is no current timeline for the completion of the probe. These investigations are often complex and can take several months to conclude, depending on the evidence gathered. The public report will be made available on SiRT's official website once the investigation is finalized.
This case highlights the ongoing oversight of police conduct in the region and the mechanisms in place to review incidents where individuals are injured during arrests.
