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Manitobans are being asked for their input into long-overdue changes to the Provincial Police Act, Attorney General Dave Chomiak announced today.

 

“The current act no longer meets the needs of police or the citizens they protect,” Chomiak said.  “We want Manitobans to help guide us as we modernize legislation that is nearly 80 years old.”

 

The proposals Manitobans will be asked to consider include:

·         the establishment of a civilian police commission to oversee the rules and standards of policing;

·         the development of an independent unit of experienced investigators with a civilian director to investigate allegations of serious incidents involving police officers; and

·         the establishment of police boards to oversee local police.

 

These proposals were developed following preliminary discussions with stakeholders and after research on current practices in other jurisdictions, Chomiak said.

 

Manitobans can comment on proposals for changes to the police act online at www.gov.mb.ca/justice/policeact. Public meetings will be held in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. People should call 945-4773 in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-866-698-3187 to register to attend.  Background documents on various aspects of policing that will help inform the discussion are also available online.

 

Meetings with stakeholders such as municipal officials, police and police associations, First Nations and other Aboriginal leaders and other community groups are also being scheduled.

 

Former deputy attorney general Ron Perozzo will conduct the consultations.

 

Chomiak said he will introduce a new proposed police act in the spring sitting of the Manitoba legislature.

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