Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team
The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is an independent, civilian-led unit responsible for investigating serious incidents involving police officers in Saskatchewan. Investigations will occur when a person suffers serious injury or death, either in police custody or as a result of a police officer's actions, or in relation to an allegation of sexual assault or interpersonal violence.
SIRT is responsible for investigating serious incidents involving municipal police officers, RCMP officers operating in Saskatchewan, and certain classes of special constables in the province, such as Conservation and Traffic Officers. SIRT's mandate includes both on-duty and off-duty actions of police and special constables.
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1. The Investigation Process
As an independent, civilian-led organization, SIRT will ensure that all investigations of serious incidents involving police officers are impartial and conducted to the same standard as any Criminal Code investigation. By ensuring accountability and transparency through independent investigations, SIRT's mandate is to increase public confidence in Saskatchewan's police forces.
Investigations will begin after SIRT is notified of a serious incident involving a police officer. Investigations will not be launched as the result of a complaint submitted by the public.
If you are a member of the public who would like to submit a complaint against a Saskatchewan municipal police service, please visit the Public Complaints Commission page.
2. Public Reports
SIRT will release Public Reports within 90 days of all investigations ending. The reports will state what happened and explain the final decision on the file, including whether or not charges have been laid.
Government of Saskatchewan News and Media related to SIRT are also available online.
3. The SIRT Team
SIRT investigations are overseen by a civilian executive director, who is empowered to appoint investigators and gather other resources necessary to achieve SIRT's mandate.
Indigenous representation is an important part of the SIRT investigative team. A First Nations or Métis community liaison works with the victim and/or their families during the investigation, acts as an adviser on community interactions and assists with investigations.