Posted:
Halifax Regional Police public statement in response to SiRT investigation
Today, the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) concluded its investigation into the death of Mr. Corey Rogers and charged two HRP employees in the tragic incident. The matter will now go before the courts and is the subject of civil litigation.
In this situation, HRP cannot address specifics of the incident. We want to again extend our condolences to Mr. Rogers’ family. We also believe it’s important to stress our commitment to the care of people in our custody. Proper care of those in custody is a priority for us, and as such, we review and enhance our practices and are confident in our employees’ ability to appropriately manage the care of people in custody.
At the time of Mr. Rogers’ death, we opened a Police Act investigation which was put into abeyance pending the conclusion SiRT investigation. It will remain open, but suspended, until conclusion of the court process. Out of respect for the ongoing proceedings, including a civil litigation, we will be unable to provide further comments at this time.
SiRT - Criminal Negligence Charge Laid in HRP Cell Death
Today, November 7, John Scott, Interim Director of the Serious Incident Response Team laid a charge of Criminal Negligence Causing Death against Special Constables Daniel Fraser and Cheryl Gardner of the Halifax Regional Police. Both were working as Booking Officers on the night Cory Rogers was arrested and placed in cells at Halifax Regional Police Prisoner Care Facility. S/Cst. Fraser and S/Cst. Gardner will appear in Halifax Provincial Court at 1:30 p.m. today for arraignment.
This investigation was initiated on Thursday June 16, 2016 when Halifax Regional Police (HRP) found Corey Rogers a 41-year-old, unresponsive in their cells at 1:45 a.m. EHS was called and attended the scene. Cory Rogers was pronounced deceased at 1:53 a.m. on June 16, 2016.
As a result of the death, SiRT was contacted, responded to the scene and commenced an investigation.
Police had responded to the IWK hospital at shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening as a result of a call from the hospital about an unwanted male. They found Rogers outside of the hospital at the University Avenue entrance and arrested him under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act for being intoxicated in a public place. Rogers was taken to HRP headquarters and lodged in cells around 11 p.m.
A complete copy of the report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca.
SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian Interim Director John Scott, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.
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Media Contact:
John Scott, Interim Director
902-718-9707