Formalities done, chief ready to work

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This article was published 08/11/2016 (3255 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Danny Smyth had already become the public face of the Winnipeg Police Service in recent months: by announcing arrests, such as that of a police officer being charged with multiple offences.

Tuesday, Smyth was officially sworn in as Winnipeg’s 18th police chief.

“Times are changing, here we go,” he told a crowd that included police officers, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson, Mayor Brian Bowman, chief provincial court Judge Margaret Wiebe and his family and friends. The ceremony was held at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre.

Bowman noted Smyth’s hiring marked the first time the Winnipeg Police Board controlled the process of finding a new chief.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but they certainly made the right decision,” the mayor said.

Coun. Jeff Browaty, chairman of the police board, said the panel is confident Smyth is “the right person for this role.”

“The successful candidate needed to be a leader both to the police force but also the community… In Danny, the board saw a candidate with a deep understanding of national and international issues.”

Maurice Sabourin, president of the Winnipeg Police Association, said after the ceremony the union had “always worked well with Smyth when he was deputy chief.

“We’re looking forward to continuing that relationship. I can’t say we’ve always seen eye to eye, but we have had very good discussions.”

In his speech, Smyth mentioned some of the people who made him who he is today: his parents, his wife and children, a childhood hockey coach, his friends and police officers he admired and worked with during his three decades on the force.

“I’ve served this city faithfully for 30 years, but this journey that has taken me here has taken a lifetime,” he said.

Smyth paid special tribute to former deputy chief Shelly Hart, who gave him his first opportunity to act as a superintendent, and outgoing chief Devon Clunis, who promoted him to deputy chief.

“It has been an honour to serve on your team, and I promise not to wreck the car,” Smyth quipped.

Later, Smyth told reporters his priorities have already been outlined by the Winnipeg Police Board’s strategic plan.

“Community engagement (and) managing our budget so we get a bang for our buck,” he said.

Smyth wouldn’t offer an opinion on the future of Air1, the police helicopter that’s under review by the province.

“When it is in the air, it is an effective tool, but I know it is very expensive,” he said.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca