Dwight Ball says RNC probe report will be made public
N.S.-based Serious Incident Response Team conducting criminal investigation of force
Premier Dwight Ball said little Thursday about an external criminal investigation into the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, but did indicate the completed report will be made public.
Ball was asked by reporters to comment on the Serious Incident Response Team's (SIRT) probe of the RNC.
SIRT is a civilian-led agency from Nova Scotia that investigates serious incidents involving police forces.
"What I know and understand about that right now is that there is an investigation ongoing," Ball told reporters following a Rotary Club of St. John's luncheon.
"We'll see what information comes out of that and [that] will be something that's dealt with at the appropriate time."
The Department of Justice and Public Safety called in SIRT in November after a complaint was made to the department.
While neither the police or the department will release the reason for the investigation, CBC News has learned it pertains to the handling of a confidential informant.
Chief declines comment
Newfoundland and Labrador does not have its own civilian-led agency like SIRT.
Asked if it was time for the province to have its own external agency, Ball said what's important is that the proper investigation is completed.
As with any report, Ball said, it will be made public once it's completed, "allowing the appropriate time to make sure those who are impacted will have the appropriate time to have the necessary response to that."
Meanwhile, RNC Chief Bill Janes, who was also at the luncheon, offered no comment.
Instead, Janes referred media to Ron MacDonald, a lawyer and civilian director of SIRT who is leading the investigation.
Earlier this week, MacDonald told CBC News his investigation will take several months.
Without going into detail, MacDonald described the allegations as raising "significant public interest issues."