Serious incidents response team coming to N.L., throne speech confirms

The Liberal government announced in its throne speech Tuesday it would be looking to establish a serious incidents response team in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In the throne speech, Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan outlined the three public inquiries that Dwight Ball's Liberals have committed to.

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"Recently, a number of high-profile cases in our province have raised concern about whether police should conduct investigations into its own members, or whether one provincial police force can objectively investigate members of another," said Fagan in the House of Assembly.

One of the three inquiries the province has committed to include the shooting death of Don Dunphy last Easter weekend.

In other provinces, civilian-led organizations have been established to provide oversight into these investigations.

"This provides a mechanism for independent investigations thereby removing the potential for real or perceived bias," said Fagan.

"To enhance public confidence in investigations involving the [RCMP] and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, we will identify and pursue an appropriate model for the establishment of a serious incidents response team for Newfoundland and Labrador."

Justice Minister Andrew Parsons said in January there is a need for civilian oversight of police, after CBC News obtained details that revealed how often police in this province are being investigated.

At the time, Parsons said he couldn't give a timeline for when civilian oversight of police forces would be coming, stating he didn't want to rush or get it wrong.