Saskatchewan RCMP has asked the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) to conduct an independent investigation into an arrest on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation after a video of the incident circulated widely on social media.
In a statement, RCMP said it requested the external investigation “as part of our commitment to transparency, and considering public interest.” SIRT has accepted the request.
The officers involved will remain on active duty while the investigation is underway.
The incident happened early Sunday morning when Loon Lake RCMP responded to a report of a drug-impaired person on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. Police say they located two men wanted on outstanding warrants at a residence and arrested them without incident.
RCMP allege a 40-year-old woman became confrontational during the arrests, punching two officers before she was arrested outside the residence. She was later assessed by EMS for what police described as minor injuries.
Initially, RCMP said a review of body-worn camera footage determined the force used by officers was reasonable under the Criminal Code and that the matter would not be referred to SIRT because the injuries were not considered serious.
Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Chief and Council previously said they were aware of the video and planned to meet with Loon Lake RCMP leadership to discuss the incident and address community concerns.
In its statement, the First Nation said the safety, dignity and respectful treatment of community members remain a priority, while also acknowledging that the video may not show everything that occurred before officers intervened. Leadership also recognized the arrests involved two individuals believed to be involved in gang activity, saying community safety and respectful policing must go hand in hand.
SIRT is responsible for independently investigating incidents involving police where there are allegations of serious injury, death or other matters referred to it in the public interest. No timeline has been provided for the investigation.