Manitoba's police watchdog investigates Brandon officers for alleged perjury, assault during arrest

Manitoba's police watchdog is investigating two complaints involving Brandon police officers: one involving an officer accused of lying in court and another stemming from an alleged assault during an arrest.

On Thursday, police in Brandon received a formal complaint about testimony an officer gave at provincial court proceedings in the city dating back to January.

The next day, the Independent Investigation Unit was notified of the complaint and are taking over the investigation, the police watchdog said in a release on Monday.

Perjury is considered an offence under the Police Services Act, and an investigation is compulsory under the investigative unit's mandate.

The watchdog is also investigating an allegation of assault by Brandon police on Jan. 16, 2021.

Brandon police told the IIU that officers responded to a call for service and that a man was arrested and taken to the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

The complaint alleges that the the man was assaulted during his arrest.

The Independent Investigation Unit's civilian director has determined it's in the public interest to investigate, although the person's injuries don't meet the unit's definition of serious injury.

Sgt. Kirby Sararas said in an email the Brandon Police Service can't share any details about the incident because of the police watchdog's investigation.

Witnesses or other individuals who have information or video footage that could help the investigation are asked to contact the investigative unit toll free at 1-844-667-6060.

Both of the investigations are ongoing and the IIU is not releasing further details.

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