Chief Danny Smyth Declares State of Emergency

Released: January 5, 2022 at 8 a.m.

Under the authority of the Winnipeg Police Service’s collective agreement, WPS Chief Danny Smyth has declared a State of Emergency for the Winnipeg Police Service. The Service currently has 90 Active COVID-19 cases, and 170 personnel have booked off on COVID-19 related leave.

“We have some real challenges ahead. The current COVID-19 situation has significantly impacted our staffing resources. It has become necessary to execute parts of our Business Continuity Plan to ensure essential services – particularly in General Patrol,” said Chief Smyth.

The Executive of the WPS has designated 80 more officers to be assigned to General Patrol commencing on January 10. Additional officers from other units will be redeployed from other areas of the Service to backfill on short notice.

The changes are designed to ensure that General Patrol units remain available to be dispatched to help the citizens of Winnipeg when they call for help. If circumstances dictate and additional pressure is put on staffing levels, the Service will consider redeploying additional personnel or restructuring the shift model currently deployed.

Constable Jay Murray, Public Information Officer
Constable Dani McKinnon, Public Information Officer
Constable Claude Chancy, Public Information Officer
Kelly Dehn, Manager of Public Affairs

Office: 204-986-3061
E-mail: WPS-PIO@winnipeg.ca

Police

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.