Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Photo by File photo /THE TELEGRAMArticle contentNewfoundland and Labrador’s police watchdog says it did not participate in the investigation of a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer recently charged with a breach of trust, since the situation didn’t fall within its scope.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOn Thursday, Nov. 20, the RNC announced it had charged one of its own members with breach of trust and violation of an Emergency Services Act order.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentPolice allege the 50-year-old officer used his position to access personal property in a fire evacuation zone on Aug. 21.Article contentAt that time, several wildfires were burning in the province, including blazes at Paddy’s Pond, near St. John’s; a large section of Conception Bay North; and at Martin Lake, in the central part of the island.Article contentEvacuation orders were in place for at least 10 communities.Article contentIn response Friday to an e-mail from The Telegram, the province’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT-NL) confirmed the RNC had brought the matter to its attention.Article content“SIRT-NL conducted a review and determined that the matter did not fall within its mandate,” read the e-mailed statement.Article content“Where this matter is currently before the court, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”Article contentA civilian-led police oversight agency, SIRT-NL’s mandate sees it investigating incidents of death, serious injury, sexual or domestic violence or “any other matter of significant public interest” involving the actions of a police officer in the province.Article contentArticle contentSIRT-NL accepts allegations of police wrongdoing from the public, the Justice minister and police agencies, and can conduct its own investigation, refer the matter to a police force other than the one involved in the complaint, refer it to the police organization’s own complaints process, or determine the matter doesn’t fit its mandate, among other options.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe RNC says the officer in question, who has not been named ahead of his first appearance in provincial court, has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of court and internal disciplinary processes.Article contentHe is due to attend court in the coming weeks.Article content“The RNC holds its police officers to the highest standard. All complaints of officer misconduct and criminal allegations are taken very seriously. Through legislated processes, members of the RNC are held accountable for their actions,” the RNC said.Article contentArticle content
NL police watchdog steps back as RNC charges officer with breach of trust
