Bridgewater Deputy Police Chief Scott Feener says he was surprised to learn John Collyer is the officer being investigated by SiRT.
Mayor David Walker confirmed Monday, Collyer is being investigated by the Serious Incident Response Team for allegedly assaulting a teenage girl and obstructing justice.
Feener says the announcement has surprised many in the department.
“It’s a shock to the service. Much like any small organization we’re a close-knit family.”
Feener says the allegations won’t affect the service’s daily operations.
“It’s an allegation and we’ll have to wait and see. We’re here to serve the citizens of the town of Bridgewater and to be professional.”
No charges have been laid.
Meanwhile, SiRT will be handling the investigation.
The Serious Incident Response Team is an independent group tasked with investigating situations involving police.
Director Ron MacDonald says the force was created about five years ago to make sure police were held accountable.
“It’s important because we want the people of Nova Scotia to know it’s being investigated independantly, objectivly and thoroughly by a body that doesn’t answer to government or any police agency.”
Once the investigation is complete SiRT has three months to release a public report explaining their findings.
