Dwight Ball says RNC probe report will be made public

Premier Dwight Ball said little Thursday about an external criminal investigation into the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, but did indicatethe completed report will be made public.

• CBC INVESTIGATES |Royal Newfoundland Constabulary facing criminal probe by external investigators

Ball was asked by reporters to comment on theSerious Incident Response Team's (SIRT)probe of the RNC.

SIRT is a civilian-led agency from Nova Scotia that investigates serious incidents involving police forces.

"What I know and understand about that right now is that there is an investigation ongoing," Ball told reporters following a Rotary Club of St. John's luncheon.

"We'll see what information comes out of that and [that]will be something that'sdealt with at the appropriate time."

The Department of Justice and Public Safety called inSIRTin Novemberafter a complaint was made tothe department.

While neither the police or the department will release the reason for the investigation, CBC News has learned it pertains to the handling of a confidential informant.

Chief declines comment

Newfoundland and Labrador does not have its own civilian-led agency like SIRT.

Asked if it was time for the province to have its own external agency, Ball said what's important is that the proper investigation is completed.

"Newfoundlanders andLabradoriansand Canadians in generalwhat they want to be able to do is be able to rely on a justice system that they can count on," the premier said.

As with any report, Ball said, it will be made public once it's completed, "allowing the appropriate time to make sure those who are impacted will have the appropriate time to have the necessary response to that."

Meanwhile, RNC Chief Bill Janes, who was also at the luncheon, offered no comment.

Instead, Janesreferred media toRon MacDonald, a lawyer and civilian director of SIRT who is leading the investigation.

Earlier this week, MacDonald told CBC Newshis investigation will take several months.

Without going into detail, MacDonald describedthe allegations as raising "significant public interest issues."