John Bates calls transition as new Saint John police chief 'eventful'

The Saint John Police Force held its official change of command ceremony on Tuesday evening to honour former chief Bill Reid, and formally welcome new chief John Bates.

Chief Bates has been on the job for seven weeks and came to the city just as the high profile Dennis Oland murder trial was getting underway. 

"It's been somewhat eventful," Bates said speaking to Information Morning Saint John.

"There's been a lot going on in the city with regard to the police force itself, but I can tell you that my welcome here has been very heartening and the ceremony last night was exceptionally humbling."

Last month, Bates ordered an investigation into allegations that Deputy Chief Glen McCloskey suggested another officer lie under oath about the Richard Oland murder case.

I have seen nothing but absolute professionalism from the men and women I have encountered.- Police Chief John Bates

He directed the force's professional standards unit to look into the issue, raised by retired Staff Sgt. Mike King during his testimony at the murder trial, and later denied by McCloskey.

Bates said he is aware the force has faced scrutiny over its maintenance of the crime scene and the investigation as a whole.

"Any high-profile criminal trial puts the police force that's done the investigation at centre stage and much of what the police do, or don't do, becomes the centre of attention, or the focus," Bates said.

"I can tell you I'm proud of the members that have testified, where they have wished they'd done something differently, or perhaps something better, they've been frank about that and acknowledged that in some instances they could have done better," he said.

Bates said he hasn't directed the force to implement any changes since he entered the new post.

"Deputy Chief McCloskey, and all senior staff and specialized units, assured me that since 2011, they have elevated their game, and I can tell you since coming here, I have seen nothing but absolute professionalism from the men and women I have encountered," he said.

Sidearm replacement a priority

Bates said one of his first orders of business is to see to the replacement of the force's outdated service revolvers.

It's estimated new handguns to replace the 25-year-old sidearms would cost about $200,000.

"The firearm I'm carrying now is the same firearm my previous police service took out of service over 10 years ago," said Bates.

"I'm well assured our guns remain serviceable, but they're well beyond their best before date," he said.

The chief also wants to address staff vacancies in the force. Over the past five years, 20 positions have been lost.

Understaffing is one reason the department is projected to be under budget by between $100,000 and $125,000 at year end.

But the Saint John Police Commission warns overtime payments are over-budget by $131,000 as of Aug. 31, and officers are being burned out.

Bates was previously the chief of police in Stratford, Ont.