The Winnipeg Police Service acknowledges and accepts today’s decision by the Chief Justice of the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench regarding the wrongful conviction of Clarence Woodhouse.
The Winnipeg Police Service has worked diligently in the past five decades to ensure its practices have evolved. Videotaping suspect and witness statements for major and serious crimes is now commonplace, the identification process now includes dedicated forensic investigators, advancements have been made in the collection of accurate evidence, and all police personnel are required to undergo mandatory bias-free and culturally based education and training.
The Winnipeg Police Service recognizes the harm that a wrongful conviction causes to all those involved in the justice system, particularly victims of crime and their families, as well as those who stand accused of a crime.
Along with evolving case law and legislative amendments, we will continue our efforts to address systemic issues in policing to help prevent wrongful convictions and uphold the integrity of the justice system.