New director appointed to Serious Incident Response Team

The provincial government has appointed Richard Deveau as the new director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT).

Deveau, who most recently served as senior Crown attorney for the Eastern Region with Public Prosecutions, begins a five-year term on September 9, 2026.

SIRT is an independent civilian-led organization responsible for investigating matters involving police in Newfoundland and Labrador, including deaths, serious injuries, sexual offences and domestic violence.

The team also investigates other matters involving police that are considered to be of significant public interest.

Justice and Public Safety Minister and Attorney General Helen Conway Ottenheimer says Deveau brings extensive experience to the position and will contribute to civilian oversight of police agencies in the province.

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Serious Incident Response Team plays a very important role in our province, and I am pleased to announce Richard Deveau as its new director,” Ottenheimer says. “He brings a wealth of experience and will make a significant contribution to civilian-led oversight of the police agencies in Newfoundland and Labrador. I wish him well in his new role.”