N.S. declined RCMP request for domestic violence unit, documents show

Nova Scotia RCMP flagged in 2020 that its officers were not equipped to deal with a growing number of intimate partner violence reports, but a request for "much-needed" experts to investigate these cases was not approved by the province.

Documents obtained through an access to information request show the RCMP's H Division, which serves Nova Scotia, submitted a business case to the province's Justice Department in May 2020 for a sex crimes and intimate partner violence unit.

It would have consisted of four specialized investigators and cost the province about $1.8 million over three years.

"Creating a specialized unit will ensure a consistent approach to investigations and relieve investigational pressure from front line members," the documents say. 

"These investigations are complex and time consuming, requiring a specific, specialized skillset for taking statements and gathering evidence."

The documents say there has been a significant increase in the number of intimate partner violence reports to RCMP in parts of Nova Scotia. They say reports rose 233 per cent outside of Halifax Regional Municipality between 2008 and 2018.

Yet the rising reports of intimate partner violence represent a small portion of the overall problem, the documents say. Statistics from the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women cited in the request say less than two per cent of intimate partner violence incidents in the province are reported to police.

Establishing such a unit would have helped close gaps in the reporting process and meet recommendations from past reviews of how police investigated the Rehtaeh Parsons and Susie Butlin cases, the request says.

"A specialized unit with dedicated resources will help increase the public's confidence in the police and the judicial system. This will hopefully encourage victims to report crimes."

Nova Scotia RCMP made the request weeks after a gunman killed 22 people in a rampage that began with him attacking his spouse. It's unclear whether that tragedy played a role in the force's decision to ask for a specialized police unit.

The Mass Casualty Commission's final report, released on March 30, highlights that the gunman came to the attention of police and emergency services several times before the April 2020 mass shooting because of violent behaviour toward his spouse and others.

The report identifies shortcomings in investigating sexual assaults and gender-based violence, and recommends several changes for police including increased supervision for front-line officers.

Interim Commissioner Mike Duheme said after the report was released that the force had set up a committee to review and address its recommendations.

The RCMP's Nova Scotia division declined an interview request but a spokesperson said in an email they have made "significant changes"  in recent years to how they investigate intimate partner violence.