Const. Chris Messer's case warrants public inquiry, union says

The union representing Saint John police officers is calling for a public inquiry into the handling of the case of suspended Const. Chris Messer.

An assault charge against Messer was stayed last month by a Court of Queen's Bench judge. Unless that decision is appealed, Messer is now clear of criminal charges for the first time since his ordeal began in late 2010.

But Messer remains suspended from his job and Bob Davidson, executive director of the Saint John Police Association, wants him reinstated.

Davidson submitted a file to Public Safety Minister Stephen Horsman's office on Thursday.

He contends the city has wasted $500,000 on Messer's case over the past four years.

Davidson claims that while Messer was prosecuted, people alleged to have committed crimes against him and his family were not.

Dates back to 2010

"There was a drive-by shooting at constable Messer's house," said Davidson. "The car was stopped and the people in the car and the evidence in the car has not resulted in a charge."

In addition, Davidson claims a death threat against Messer was not investigated, even though it was witnessed by police officers.

"These are many questions that we've now laid before the minister to lead to our request of a public inquiry," he said.

Public Safety officials declined to comment on Monday.

"It is not the practice of the department or minister to comment on correspondence," spokesperson Sheila Legacé said in an email.

Messer was originally charged and suspended in 2010 following complaints from two men who alleged frightening encounters with the officer, while they were being investigated for a break-in at his west-side home.

In 2012, Messer was convicted of assault and threatening behaviour toward the men, but the decision was later appealed and a retrial ordered on the single charge of assault.

Although he no longer faces criminal charges, Messer still faces disciplinary hearings under the province's Police Act. A serious violation of the act could end his career. Those proceedings are expected to resume in April.

Saint John Police Force Chief Bill Reid will not discuss Messer's future in the wake of the staying of the assault charge.

"There's a process to go through there," Reid said. "Obviously there's an appeal process. Then there's the Police Act process, so I'm not going to comment any more than that and that's where it's at right now."