Det-Sgt Kavanagh was part of the task force that looked after vehicle thefts, now called BEAR for the Hamilton Police Services. This was BEFORE he moved to the homicide unit. (I think he was in homicide, then went to property crimes and was a part of setting up BEAR and then back to homicide, but I'm not sure until I find the links again, if possible.
Well, I have found something that puts this conjecture to rest (hopefully):
After Millard’s arrest, Hamilton homicide investigator Det.-Sgt. Matt Kavanagh said he was consulting auto squad experts about the possibility a chop shop was running out of the hangar. Millard’s lawyer, Deepak Paradkar, has dismissed that theory.
http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2..._attempted_third_test_drive_of_dodge_ram.html
Surely, if Kavanagh wasn't sure himself what to make of the vehicles in the hangar he would not have been part of the BEAR unit. I am sticking with the reports that say the Sgt-Det's background is homicide.
Best,
J.