New Brunswick RCMP officers are under investigation for alleged misconduct tied to an impaired driving case.
The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has confirmed that it is examining the actions of two officers from the Sussex and Caledonia detachments.
According to SiRT, the case centers on a man who was arrested in February near Henderson Settlement, a rural area about 60 kilometres southeast of Fredericton.
In June, senior RCMP officials learned that an officer from the Sussex detachment may have tried to influence the investigation. That officer reportedly had a personal relationship with the man involved.
SiRT also began reviewing the role of a second officer from the Caledonia detachment. This officer allegedly attempted to interfere in the same investigation.
The watchdog investigates police-related incidents that raise public concern in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
SiRT has the legal authority to recommend criminal charges to Crown prosecutors if warranted.
So far, investigators have not laid any charges, and the names of the officers have not been released.
The investigation remains active.
Impaired driving is a serious criminal offence in Canada. Any attempt to sway such a case raises major ethical concerns.
In 2023, Statistics Canada reported over 70,000 impaired driving incidents across the country.
While the RCMP has not released a public statement, it generally cooperates with SiRT-led investigations.
Trust in law enforcement depends on accountability and transparency.
SiRT’s independent review aims to ensure both. The agency says more information will be shared after the investigation concludes.
