Justice and Public Safety
November 16, 2017

Minister Parsons Introduces Legislation to Establish Serious Incident Response Team

The Provincial Government is strengthening transparency and accountability in the justice system by introducing legislation related to a Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) in Newfoundland and Labrador. The new legislation calls for a team that will investigate all matters involving death, serious injury, sexual offence, and domestic violence as well as other matters of significant public interest that involve police.

Police agencies in the province have indicated their support for a Serious Incident Response Team. In preparation for this legislation, the Department of Justice and Public Safety held consultations with stakeholders including the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RNC Association and RNC Public Complaints Commission, all of whom support independent police oversight.

Once the legislation is passed, the next steps are for the department to determine a director and investigators as well as procure the resources necessary to ensure the team has the tools required to operate. The department is also continuing to look into a partnership with Atlantic Provinces on an Atlantic SiRT team.

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“Police have extraordinary powers but to exercise those powers effectively and efficiently, there must be checks and balances. Public confidence is vital. Establishing a SiRT team will provide an increased level of transparency and help ensure people have trust in the justice system. I would like to thank our stakeholders for their cooperation and support as collaboration will be essential to the success of this team.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
LesleyClarke@gov.nl.ca

2017 11 16                              11:40 a.m.