History & Museum Historical Stories

BACK TO THE BASICS

Researched and written by Detective Sergeant John Burchill

The modern definition of community based policing is a partnership between the police and the community they serve. Police are given the latitude to use new and innovative ways to help solve contemporary community problems relating to crime, the fear of crime, social disorder and neighbourhood decay.

The concept of community based policing is not really new, but involves a return to a philosophy which policing was originally premised; "that the police are the public and that the public are the police." More than anything else it is actually a state of mind - to do for your community, as you would have your community do for you.

Years before the term "Community Based Policing" was coined, Winnipeg Police Officers were pioneering this trend toward "community commitment". This is no more evident than by the public's desire to dedicate three Winnipeg schools to the memory of three former Winnipeg Police officers who made significant, lasting and important contributions to the community they served. These officers truly embodied the spirit of community policing and made a difference to the communities in which they lived.

JOSEPH TERES SCHOOL

131 Sanford Fleming Road (Kildonan Meadows)

This school was named after Superintendent Joseph Teres (badge #5), a very popular officer of the former Transcona Police Department. He began his career with Transcona in 1948 and rose to their Chief of Police in 1960. After amalgamation in 1974 he became Superintendent of District 4 and died of a heart attack in 1976 while still serving the citizens of Transcona.

EDWARD FINNEY SCHOOL

25 Anglia Avenue (The Maples)

This school was named after Constable Edward Finney (badge #381) a long time Community Relations officer who worked closely with the various schools. He began his career in 1961 with the West Kildonan Police Department and died of cancer in 1986 while still carrying out his duties with the Winnipeg Police Service.

WILLIAM RUSSELL SCHOOL

50 Monterey Road (Windsor Park)

This building is currently being used by the St. Boniface School Board and is named after William Russell, a former Chief of the St. Boniface Police Department. He began his career with the St. Boniface Police in 1927 and rose to the rank of Chief in 1960. He retired to pension in 1968 and passed away shortly after amalgamation.