FREDERICTON — The investigation of a high-ranking member of the Saint John Police Force has begun in the wake of the Dennis Oland murder trial — but one expert says the force's handling of the crime scene should be put under the microscope as well.
Michael Boudreau, an associate professor of criminology at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, said some tough questions have been raised about the investigation of Richard Oland's bludgeoning death in July 2011.
"Frankly, it was not handled well," said Boudreau.
How Saint John police conducted their investigation was a central issue at the second-degree murder trial, which began in September. A jury found Dennis Oland guilty Saturday of killing his father.
Justice John Walsh reminded jurors during his charge there was evidence that police failed to prevent too many people from entering Richard Oland's office after his body was found and allowed a second-floor washroom to be used before it could be forensically tested.
The court also heard police didn't ensure the back door — a possible exit from the crime scene — remain untouched before it could be examined.
At a minimum, Boudreau said police would have to reassess their crime scene investigation tactics and send some officers for refresher courses.
"They do not conduct many of these murder investigations," he said. "But ... as a force if you are not able to conduct a solid investigation it can have ramifications."
A former Ontario homicide investigator who followed the case also said it raised concerns about police procedures.
"It's troubling that, as the judge says, too many people entered the crime scene," Cliff Strachan said in an interview before the verdict.
"Based on the judge's comments, I would think they would likely want to do some kind of review and ensure they have proper training in place. You don't want to jeopardize a case like this in the future."
Reached after Saturday's verdict, Strachan said his opinion hadn't changed.
Saint John Police Force chief John Bates wasn't available for comment Monday, but defended the police handling of the crime scene in a statement after Saturday's verdict.
"I do take some solace in the fact that our investigative team...will have realized a degree of validation," reads the statement. "Not for a second did I waiver in my belief or faith in their integrity, effort, or investigative skills."
The head of the New Brunswick Police Commission said Monday he is awaiting a reply from Bates and the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners following discussions about the police investigation, though Steve Roberge wouldn't give any specifics about what was discussed.
Roberge did say an investigation of deputy chief Glen McCloskey, requested by Bates in October following the testimony of a former police officer, has begun now that the trial has ended.
Former staff sergeant Mike King alleged in his testimony that McCloskey had entered the crime scene on July 7, 2011. King also testified that McCloskey, then an inspector, later asked him not to tell the court the senior officer had been there.
McCloskey denied the allegation when he testified.
Roberge said his office was waiting for legal advice on whether the investigation would have to be paused if Oland's defence team appeals the guilty verdict.
