Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

February 11, 2011

Province Announces Appointment of New Police Commission

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Modernization of Police Governance Taking Shape in Manitoba: Swan

Appointments to the newly formed Manitoba Police Commission are the next step in modernizing police governance in the province, Attorney General Andrew Swan announced today.

 “This diverse group of men and women will play a fundamental part in providing a new era of civilian input, governance, transparency and accountability in the delivery of policing services in Manitoba,” said Swan.  “We’re taking the next step in replacing outdated legislation with the newPolice Services Act, ensuring that our police officers are supported with a modern act and that citizens can play a crucial role in overseeing the delivery of policing services well into the future.” 

The new commission will be headed by Dr. Rick Linden, a criminologist and the co-chair of the Manitoba Auto Theft Task Force. 

“This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to working with police, communities and the province to help improve policing practices in Manitoba,” said Linden.

Lynn Sauvé has been appointed as the vice chair.  Sauvé has extensive experience working in the north and is the program director at the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson. 

Seven other Manitobans have been appointed to the commission.  They are:

  • Sam Anderson;
  • Mildred (Missy) Flett;
  • Joe Gallagher;
  • Roberta Graham;
  • Harley Grouette;
  • Robert Taman; and
  • Habtamu Wedajo.

The appointment of the Manitoba Police Commission is the next crucial step in implementing the Police Services Act and the advice and guidance of the Manitoba Police Commission will help the province bring other key components of the legislation to life, Swan said.

The commission will provide advice on required policing standards including police training and equipment.  It will help train the local police boards that will have to be established in places operating their own police services, he added.

The commission will also recruit and train the roster of civilians who will monitor investigations of police incidents and allegations against police officers by the independent investigation unit (IIU) to be established under the Police Services Act.  This is an essential step towards the establishment of the IIU, Swan said.

Local police boards trained by the Manitoba Police Commission will have the power to hire the police chief, propose and administer police budgets, and set the general direction and operation of its police service.

The Manitoba Police Commission can also consult with the public on behalf of the minister and can be asked to do special studies on emerging policing issues such as recruitment, continuing education of police officers, cross-cultural training and new equipment that may help with crime fighting.

The new Police Services Act was drafted following the recommendations of the Taman Inquiry, an extensive review of best practices in other jurisdictions and consultations on key issues with the public, community groups,  police chiefs, police associations, First Nations, Aboriginal and municipal leaders and organizations, and other stakeholders.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




backgrounder
Biographies - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2011/02/MB_Police_Commission_Bios_BG.JS.doc