A Halifax Regional Police officer is facing criminal harassment charges in connection with incidents involving a female known to him. On May 8, 2024, Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) received a referral regarding incidents that took place between September and October 2023. A Wednesday news release from SiRT says Det. Const. Robert Baird has been charged with two counts of criminal harassment following an investigation. Baird is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at 9:30 a.m. on March 25. “As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, SiRT will not provide further comment on the investigation,” reads the news release from SiRT. Baird previously charged with assault SiRT confirmed Baird was also charged last year in a separate incident involving an allegation of domestic assault. Halifax Regional Police contacted SiRT on Oct. 26, 2023, after a female alleged she was assaulted by one of their off-duty officers. According to SiRT’s report, the female and three civilian witnesses were interviewed during the investigation into the allegations against Baird. “Based on the evidence considered, there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that between Jan. 1, 2020, and Sept. 1, 2021, the subject officer, Const. Robert Baird committed assault against a female known to him,” read SiRT’s report. “On May 7, 2024, a charge of assault was laid against Robert Baird.” Halifax Regional Police says Baird “remains suspended with pay in accordance with the NS police Act.” SiRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
