Waterfront Media HFX
News

(Update) The SiRT Charges RCMP Officer with Assault

Waterfront Media HFX Updated December 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
(Update) The SiRT Charges RCMP Officer with Assault
****Update via RCMP
Media Statement: NPF Confirms Exoneration of RCMP Member Following SIRT Matter
The following statement is from Brian Sauvé, President and CEO of the National Police Federation (NPF), following the conclusion of legal proceedings involving
Cpl. Dale Keeping, who was fully exonerated following an investigation by the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) and court ruling that stemmed from an on-duty incident.
“Following a thorough review of the evidence and the completion of all legal proceedings, Cpl. Dale Keeping has been fully exonerated of all charges. The court’s findings confirm that no wrongdoing occurred in the execution of his duties.
While oversight and accountability are essential to public trust in policing, fairness requires that outcomes receive the same visibility as allegations. In this case, the laying of charges was publicly reported, but the Member’s exoneration did not receive the same level of attention. As a result, incomplete and inaccurate information has continued to circulate, prolonging the impact on the Member and his family.
It is also important to recognize that the vast majority of oversight investigations involving RCMP Members do not result in criminal charges. Nonetheless, the existence of an investigation alone can have lasting consequences if conclusions are not clearly and responsibly communicated.
For our Member and his family, this has been a long and deeply stressful process. Oversight investigations do not occur in isolation — they affect spouses, children, and loved ones who live for extended periods under significant uncertainty. The personal, financial, and reputational toll of this experience is substantial.
The National Police Federation will continue to support RCMP Members navigating oversight processes, advocating for dignity, fairness, and due process.”
About the National Police Federation The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
- **** SiRT Release

The SiRT Charges RCMP Officer with Assault

The Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that an RCMP officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the assault of a youth on March 8, 2024.

The SiRT received the referral on May 3, 2024, from the West Hants RCMP and the Department of Community Services and began its investigation into the matter that day. As a result of the SiRT investigation, on September 26, 2024, Corporal Dale Keeping was charged with assault contrary to s. 266 of the Criminal Code.

Corporal Dale Keeping will appear before the Nova Scotia Provincial Court at 240 King Street, Windsor, Nova Scotia on October 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SiRT will not provide further comment on the investigation.

The SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation.

- **** RCMP Media Release

Statement from Superintendent Jason Popik, Southwest Nova District Policing Officer, in relation to RCMP member charged with assault

The Nova Scotia RCMP is sharing the following media release from the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) in relation to its independent investigation into an allegation of misuse of force against an RCMP member posted to West Hants Detachment.

On September 26, SiRT charged the member with Assault under Section 266 of the Criminal Code.

This criminal charge is disconcerting and we take these incidents seriously. The member, Cpl. Dale Keeping, is currently on administrative duties. His duty status will be reviewed pending an internal code of conduct investigation and the court process.

Media release issued by SiRT:

The SiRT Charges RCMP Officer with Assault

The Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that an RCMP officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the assault of a youth on March 8, 2024.

The SiRT received the referral on May 3, 2024, from the West Hants RCMP and the Department of Community Services and began its investigation into the matter that day. As a result of the SiRT investigation, on September 26, 2024, Corporal Dale Keeping was charged with assault contrary to s. 266 of the Criminal Code.

Corporal Dale Keeping will appear before the Nova Scotia Provincial Court at 240 King Street, Windsor, Nova Scotia on October 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SiRT will not provide further comment on the investigation.

The SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation.

 
KEEP READING

Related Stories