Justice for Constable Brent Bowden

Constable Brent Bowden has spent his life in service to his country and his community. As a decorated military veteran and police officer with the Truro Police Service, all who know him speak of his character, integrity and family-orientation.

In early summer of 2024, two of Brent's colleagues in the Truro Police Service, both of whom held positions of seniority over him, committed an intentional act rooted in racist ideology against Brent, who is an African Nova Scotian.

The facts of this case are established. One officer rolled down his window and threw a banana peel onto the windshield of Brent's truck. The second officer did nothing during this action or afterwards to indicate his opposition.

The event itself is caught on tape. When confronted, the initial response of the officers was denial. When their denial was refuted because of video evidence, they admitted to doing it but did not apologize initially. An apology only came when they were instructed to offer one by the Chief of Police, who is also reported to have said, “Can you imagine if this got out?”

From the beginning, Brent has been clear. He wants these officers to face disciplinary action for their considered and racist act against him. To date, neither officer has been sanctioned in any way, and the only one who has paid any cost at all is Brent and his family. This is not right!

The Town of Truro accepted the apology of the officers as valid and sincere, and considers the issue closed.

We, the community, do not consider this issue to be closed. We stand behind Constable Brent Bowden in seeking disciplinary action against these officers.

Brent’s pursuit of justice has been greatly hampered by the Town of Truro, which has prohibited Brent, his wife Mia, and other vocal community members from speaking out. The Town has sent letters through their lawyer, threatening to sue them should they continue to talk about this issue. What a shameful act indeed.

Therefore, Brent's only hope at receiving justice rests with the courts. The Town of Truro has committed its resources to lawyering up against Brent. We as a community need to support Brent and his family with the funds to engage their own legal services so that he can tell his story and seek accountability for those involved.