Why the Site Had to Be Secured

Years later, I had the opportunity to interview the RCMP officer who had been in contact with my father throughout the search for Reggie.

The officer had been stationed in the area for about four years when Reggie disappeared. He became involved with the search from the beginning and remained in regular contact with my father throughout the winter. When Reggie’s car was finally located, he wanted my father to know.

He also helped me understand why the family and other volunteers could not simply begin searching the area as soon as the car was found.

The RCMP first had to secure the site.

There were several reasons for this. Most importantly, the area surrounding the car had to be treated as a possible crime scene until investigators knew otherwise.

The RCMP also intended to use police dogs during the initial search. The officer explained that obtaining suitable dogs was not as simple as it might seem. There were very few available in the region, with dogs potentially having to come from Charlottetown or Moncton.

Allowing large numbers of people into the area before the dogs had completed their work could introduce additional human scents and potentially interfere with the search.

The officer told me that they were eventually able to obtain two dogs, which were used during the initial search on the first day.

Managing a Difficult Search

There was another reason for controlling access to the site.

The officer explained that when a missing person’s family and friends arrive at a scene, emotions are understandably very high. Although everyone wants to help, large numbers of people can unintentionally complicate or interfere with an organized search.

Before a larger search could begin, the RCMP therefore needed to establish the search area, complete the initial police work and put the necessary infrastructure in place.

Establishing the Command Centre

One of those preparations was establishing a command centre—a mobile trailer that served as an office and meeting point for the RCMP and search personnel.

The command centre was in place early on the morning of May 29. Once the initial work had been completed and the site was considered ready for the larger search, access was opened later that day.

My Father’s View of the RCMP

My father also wrote about the RCMP’s work during the search and the steps already underway to identify any remains that might be found:

“The RCMP had set up a command trailer on Monday in the field where the car was found, and we could drop in at any time to keep in touch, or by telephone. They were very helpful throughout the whole ordeal.

“Forensic work was underway on the bone particles found, but because of B.C. murders, it could take anywhere from three to six months to get a positive ID.

“Through the winter, Marc Potvin, RCMP, had taken clothes of Reggie’s for DNA testing, and we knew where his medical and dental records were if needed.”

— Jim MacDonald