Winnipeg, MB - Committed to providing citizens with the highest quality in public safety services while providing value for taxpayers, the City of Winnipeg is moving forward to implement some of the recommendations of an independent operational review of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS).
The remaining recommendations will require further examination with the entire service, and consultation with the Winnipeg Police Board, Winnipeg Police Association and Winnipeg Police Senior Officers’ Association before implementation.
The goal of the external review was to examine all areas to try and find innovative ways to make our Police Service more efficient and stretch existing dollars to ensure they are going to where they are most needed. The review team examined existing operations, organizational structure, systems, technology, administration, and staffing.
“As we all know the operating budget of the Police Service increased by over 10% last year, making it the largest and fastest-growing City department,” said Councillor Scott Fielding, Chair of the Winnipeg Police Board. “This review provides longer-term strategic direction for police operations that will not only provide a more sustainable department but continues making public safety the number #1 priority.”
The review, conducted by Matrix Consulting Group, found that WPS is providing high levels of service to the community. The review made 175 recommendations, some highlighting the reallocation of resources in some areas to help build on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Police Service.
“This review confirms our assertion that the Winnipeg Police Service provides quality policing to our citizens in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Chief Devon Clunis, Chief of Police. “Many of the recommendations align with our long-term strategic plan, and will support our collective work in building a culture of safety in Winnipeg.”
Fielding went on to say that he recognizes the important role of the Winnipeg Police Association and Winnipeg Police Senior Officers’ Association and that the full report has been shared with them. The Winnipeg Police Service will ensure ongoing communication with the Police Board and both associations as the implementation process unfolds.
Highlights of recommendations being implemented include:
- Allowing for more recruitment of civilians in the WPS where skills such as specialized analytical and research abilities are required to help improve operations and increase public safety.
- Continuing to better deploy police resources where they are most needed, based on evidence gathered through improved data and information collection. This builds upon Chief Clunis’ “Smart Policing” initiative.
- Providing greater resources in the areas of exploited and missing persons to help break the cycle of young people who become involved in the sex trade, experience substance abuse, and join gangs to name a few. The WPS has already begun work in this area as a response to the community forums held in the summer.
- Continuing to develop an administrative structure that increases the movement of critical reports and information. This change will allow for more direct involvement by police supervisors while at the same time meeting all the requirements for full disclosure by the courts.
A Request for Proposals was issued in August 2012 to invite proposals from bidders with experience in up to three projects of similar size and complexity; specifically, projects involving reviews of police agencies for municipal, provincial, state, federal governments, particularly Canadian municipalities. After this competitive process, an award was made to the Matrix Consulting Group.
The Winnipeg Police Service has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 1992, and was re-accredited in 2011. This means that the Department has been examined by a North American organization of external peers and determined to be meeting a rigorous set of about 460 standards on management and organization, policy, training, operations and administration. A Certificate of Achievement is displayed in the Service's headquarters and features a blue "Meritorious" ribbon and inscription proclaiming 15 or more continuous years of accredited status.
The 2013 Adopted Operating Budget for the WPS is $242.6 million and the 2013 Adopted Capital Budget is $12 million. In 2012, the Service had a complement of 1,459 police officers and 440 civilian members providing services in crime prevention, police response, and traffic safety and enforcement.
An electronic version of the Operational Review can be viewed here.