What We Do

SIRT-NL is mandated to conduct investigations into police-related incidents of death, serious injury, sexual offence, domestic violence and any other matter of significant public interest. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether an officer may have committed an offence. SIRT-NL has jurisdiction over both policing agencies in NL, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

SIRT-NL conducts its investigations to a criminal law standard. The team can receive allegations of wrongdoing from the police agencies, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety or directly from the public. SIRT-NL gathers and reviews evidence and reports on the results. We do this as transparently as practicable under the circumstances while respecting the integrity of the investigation and the privacy interests of those involved.

Upon receiving a notification of wrongdoing, SIRT-NL can take one or more of the following actions:

  • Conduct its own investigation;
  • Refer the matter to a police force – other than the police force involved in the notification – to conduct an investigation;
  • Enter into an agreement to have an independent team from another province conduct an investigation;
  • Oversee, observe, monitor or review an investigation by an agency;
  • Appoint a community liaison or observer to work with SIRTNL in the course of an investigation;
  • Refer the matter to the RNC Public Complaints Commission under the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act;
  • Refer the matter under the complaints process of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act; or
  • Determine that the matter is not within the mandate of the Serious Incident Response Team.

Where SIRT-NL determines there are grounds to lay a criminal charge, we release a public report, including the officer’s name and the nature of the charge(s). The matter is then referred to Public Prosecutions. SIRT-NL may release a supplementary report at the conclusion of the prosecution. Where SIRT-NL determines there are no grounds to lay a charge, we release a public report outlining all the relevant facts and reasons for the decision. This allows the public to understand the basis for the decision.