ST. JOHN – The police force in Saint John, N.B., said Thursday that it has charged one of its officers with assault.
In a news release offering few details, the Saint John Police Force said a public complaint about “excessive force” prompted an investigation into the officer.
However, the allegation against him did not meet the mandate of the Serious Incident Response Team, or SIRT, which is an independent police oversight agency, the release said. The Fredericton Police Force investigated instead.
“Any complaints of excessive force are taken very seriously,” Chief Robert Bruce said in the release. “We are committed to maintaining public trust and always remaining transparent.”
The release does not name the officer or provide details about his alleged crime, nor does it explain why the allegation did not fall within the purview of SIRT. The watchdog agency investigates matters of public interest including death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence involving police in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick.
“Although we recognize the public interest in this case, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and court proceedings, the Saint John Police are not providing any further details at this time,” Staff Sgt. Shawna Fowler said in an email.
The officer is scheduled to appear in court in July and has been reassigned to administrative duties, the force said. He has been with the force for one year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2025.
