Tensions arise between Calgary police and medical examiner

There appears to be some bad blood between Calgary police and the chief medical examiner's office.

Detectiveshave beenforced to get a search warrant toobtain evidence held by the examiner's office fromthe murder investigation ofsix-year-old Meika Jordan.

The young girldied at hospital a day after sustaining severe injuries in her home in Calgary's northeast.Calgary police havecharged her father and stepmother with second-degree murder in the death.

Ina 55-page court application to obtain a search warrant, police explain they wanted to seek the opinion of forensic pathologist Dr. Chris Milroy, who specializes in pediatric deaths.

They believed Milroy may be able to narrow down the time frame of the injuries sustained by the young girl.

But before the Ontario pathologist could proceed, he required evidence acquired by the Calgary medical examiner's office during Jordan's autopsy: microscopic slides, X-rays and photographs.

Police have been trying since July to get this evidence without a search warrant.

Court order often required,says Alberta Justice

In email and telephone exchanges detailed in the application, chief medical examiner Anny Sauvageau appears upset police went directly to Milroy before consulting her.

"It has always been the policy of the OCME to release such material only from pathologist to pathologist. In this case, I won't release the material to Dr. Milroy either," Sauvageau wrote in an email to Major Crimes Insp. Cliff O'Brien, who requested the evidence.

A spokesperson for Alberta Justice says it's standard practice for the medical examiner's office to require a court order before receiving items likethe onesrequested, and the evidence would be released following the court order.

But police sources toldCBC News this is anything but standard procedure, and said Sauvageau has refused to voluntarily hand over the evidence for a fourth and final time.

"I am afraid you will have to seek judicial authorization. It is very unfortunate," Sauvageau wrote in another email to Insp. O'Brien.

Michelle Davio with Alberta Justice acknowledged the rift between departments but says it's a relationshipthat is being worked on.

"There's tensions in the system and I know the chief medical examiner is working to ensure that the relationship with Calgary police flows smoothly, appropriately and legally."

Davio called the relationship between the crown, police and medical examiners "extremely important."

"[They] are working towards the same goalthey all want to see cases get to trial and they want the evidence to be strong," she said.

The search warrant will be served to the medical examiner's office on Tuesday.

Calgary policewere contacted for comment, but were notavailable on Monday.