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'Winnipeg will become a safer city': new police Chief Clunis

By: Aldo Santin

Posted: 11/2/2012 7:57 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 11/2/2012 1:47 PM | Updates

New Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis gets sworn in officially by City of Winnipeg CAO Phil Sheegl at city hall Friday. (BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Several hundred people crowded into the second-level foyer of council chambers this morning to watch Devon Clunis be sworn in as Winnipeg’s 17th police chief.

It was an event that included traditional pomp and circumstance, much humour, and an appeal from the new chief for help from the community to make the city a safer place to live.

Clunis repeatedly stressed that policing alone is not capable of casting off Winnipeg’s dubious titles as "murder capital" and "violent crime capital" of Canada: The varied social issues of poverty and addiction and the problems they spawn must be tackled by the entire community, Clunis said.

"Today, I am declaring that we will make a difference in preventing crime and disorder in our city," Clunis told the crowd that included civic and provincial politicians, members of the WPS, and many of his friends of family.

"I am declaring that Winnipeg will become a safer city for all citizens. We will do this.

"As your chief, I am committed to take the lead but I need all of you to go with me."

The formal part of the ceremony began with a piper parading in Clunis, his wife and family, outgoing chief Keith McCaskill and Mayor Sam Katz.

The formal transition of power from McCaskill to Clunis involved a WPS colour guard presenting a staff and flag to McCaskill, who presented it to Clunis, who planted it in a stand along with city’s flag.

'Crime is not simply a police problem'

Chief Provincial Court Judge Ken Champagne presided over the formal ceremony, as Phil Sheegl, the city’s chief administrative officer, administered the oath of office.

After being sworn in, Clunis opened with a familiar joke he’s trotted out since his appointment was announced at the beginning of October: contrasting his shiny, bald head with McCaskill’s full mane of silver.

Clunis thanked several individuals for the guidance and help they provided him over the years, including his Grade 6 teacher and several teachers from St. John’s High School, senior officers of the WPS, and his wife and mother, who were both at the ceremony.

Clunis was specific regarding how he believes Winnipeg can become a safer community, promising to put more officers on the front lines to deal with crime, and more officers walking beats to build relationships with various neighbourhoods.

"We will work co-operatively with the community in addressing social causes of crime," he said. "These aren’t traditional police issues but we must become a catalyst for change in our city."

Clunis promised consultations with the aboriginal and newcomer communities.

He said every citizen has a responsibility to make Winnipeg a safer community.

"It is incumbent upon every citizen to do their part in adding to the overall welfare of our city.

"Crime is not simply a police problem," Clunis said. "If we each do our part, we can eradicate conditions conducive to the growth of crime in our city."

Later in a brief question-and-answer session with reporter, Clunis said he doesn’t yet have a detailed plan on how he will carry out his vision, repeating what he said a month ago that he planned to consult with police and various community groups.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca

History

Updated on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 12:46 PM CDT: Updated following ceremony

1:47 PM: adds new photo

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