Criminal investigation of RNC top brass 'very close' to complete, says lead investigator

The investigation of senior members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is almost finished, according to the leader of the independent police oversight bodyconducting the investigation.

"We are very close to completing our work in this matter," says Ron MacDonald, drector of the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT).

• Royal Newfoundland Constabulary facing criminal probe by external investigators

MacDonaldand the SIRTteam, a civilian-led agencyfrom Nova Scotia that investigates serious incidents involving police forces, were called in to investigate the RNC in November2015.

I'm the only personwho can lay a charge in a matter when we assume a case.- Ron MacDonald

"We have one further group of information that we are attempting to obtain right now and we are hoping that we will be able to complete that task shortly," said MacDonald.

"It's hard to put a timeline on that. I'll be able to file my report almost immediately thereafter."

MacDonald confirmed it is a criminal investigation.

He can't comment on the allegations that have been made, but did saythe detailswill be in his final report.

Did RNCknow informant was committing crimes?

But CBC News has learned that the investigation involvessenior RNC members, and is focused on theiruse of a criminal as an informant during a high-level investigation.

The informant was supposed to provide the RNC with information it needed to crack its case.

But sources said the informant continued to commit crimes without being arrested even though some of those criminal incidents were witnessed by police officers.

This was allowed to continue for a period of several weeks until the informant assaulted and injured two people and was finally arrested.

• Serious incident response team targeted for 2017
• SIRT director hopeful RNC criminal probe will be finished by year's end

In his role as director of SIRT, MacDonald has the power to lay charges.

"I'm the only personwho can lay a charge in a matter when we assume a case," said MacDonald.

He has laid charges in the past and, as recently as March 10, laid acharge of breach of probation against a 45-year-old member of the Halifax Regional Police.

Chief retiring, says investigation not a factor

In an interview with CBC News Thursday, RNC Chief Bill Janeswas asked about the investigation, but said he couldn't comment.

• RNC Chief Bill Janes retiring after 'ticking the last box' on 3-year plan

Janesalso said the investigation has nothing to do with his decision to retire from the police force in June.