ABOUT THE WINNIPEG POLICE SERVICE
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining peace and order in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Established in 1874, the WPS has evolved into a modern and diverse police force serving a population of over 845,000 residents. The WPS provides policing services to the citizens of Winnipeg through: Professional commitment to a culture of safety for all; and education, crime prevention, protection, intervention, enforcement and investigation.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
- Protection and Crime Prevention
- Community Partnerships
- Effective and Efficient Service
- Healthy Organization
BY THE NUMBERS
1. $331.9 million budget
2. 1959.58 FTEs
3. 4 police districts
The WPS is committed to the safety and security of the community through proactive policing strategies that address crime prevention, investigation, and community engagement. With a strong emphasis on community policing, officers work closely with local residents, businesses, and organizations to build trust and foster a safer environment. The organization is structured into three branches; Operations, Investigative Services and Support Services. There are specialized functions within each of these branches, such as Behavioural Health Unit, Major Crimes, Traffic, Flight Operations Unit, Professional Standards Unit and the primary public safety answering point (PSAP) for the City. These units enable the WPS to effectively respond to a wide range of situations and maintain public safety.
In addition to law enforcement, the WPS places a significant emphasis on partnerships with community stakeholders, including educational institutions, social services, and neighborhood associations. These partnerships aim to address underlying issues contributing to crime and enhance the overall quality of life in Winnipeg.
The WPS is guided by principles of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all its operations. Sworn members and police professionals undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict ethical standards to uphold the trust placed in them by the community. The WPS is a dedicated organization committed to serving and protecting the diverse population of Winnipeg with diligence, compassion, and a commitment to excellence in policing.
The Winnipeg Police Board (Board) provides civilian governance and oversight of the WPS. The Board governs the WPS through the Chief of Police and determines the strategic direction for the overall operations of the WPS and the delivery of policing services.
WE VALUE:
Integrity
We act in an open, honest and trustworthy way in all of our interactions with each other and the public
Respect
We honour the diversity of individuals, showing understanding and acceptance for all people
Citizens and Communities
We conduct ourselves in a professional manner at all times, are above reproach and demonstrate pride and commitment to the people and communities we serve
Accountability
We make quality, ethical decisions that guide our individual and collective efforts and are responsible for our actions, use of resources and effectiveness
Courage
Whether serving on the streets or providing leadership and support, we will make tough decisions and take decisive actions to valiantly protect people and communities
WE BELIEVE:
The safety and security of people, property and the community are a critical public interest
In the rights of individuals and bias-free policing
In the worth of each individual but in the reality that individuals and groups who engage in criminal behaviour must face the consequences and society must be protected from them
Significant strides in preventing crime will happen when the risk factors of crime are appropriately addressed
We must work collaboratively with the community and other justice, social services, health and community agencies who contribute time, resources and support, if we are to prevent crime in the long-term
Our success depends upon the professionalism, innovation, skill and compassion of civilian and sworn members of the police service
In the health, protection, well-being and professional development of our membership
Effective governance is critical to ensuring accountability and effectiveness in the delivery of policing services
ABOUT THE CHIEF OF POLICE
The Chief of Police is accountable and reports directly to the Board. Both the Board and the Chief of Police have working relationships with the City of Winnipeg (City). The Chief of Police has a working relationship with the City in respect of administrative matters such as financial, human resource and asset management.
The Chief of Police operates within a complex governance structure that includes the Board, municipal and provincial government entities. The role reports to the Board, collaborates with the municipal council and administration, adheres to federal, provincial and municipal statutes and regulations, and aligns policing efforts with community priorities identified in the strategic plan.
The Chief of Police oversees all operational policing and administrative functions of the WPS and represents the organization at all levels of government. The Chief of Police leads the development of advice to the Board on the priorities and objectives for the WPS and policies for its effective management. Working closely with the Board, the Chief of Police will lead the implementation of transformative and progressive strategies that respond to the needs and expectations of the community.
The Board is required by Section 21 of Manitoba’s Police Services Act to appoint a person with the qualifications outlined in the Police and Special Constables Qualifications Regulation to serve as the police chief of the municipal police service.
The main responsibilities of the Chief of Police are outlined in subsection 22(1) of The Police Services Act (Manitoba)(“the Act”) as follows:
the enforcement of law, the prevention of crime and the preservation of the public peace in the municipality;
the management, administration and operation of the police service;
the maintenance of discipline in the police service;
ensuring that the police service meets all of the requirements imposed by this act and that its police officers carry out their duties in accordance with this act;
implementing policies established by the police board respecting the police service.
Subsection 22(2) of the Act provides that the Chief of Police is accountable to the Board for carrying out the above responsibilities and for managing, administering and operating the police service in accordance with the priorities, objectives and policies established by the police board under subsection 28(1) of the Act.
The role of the Chief of Police is to provide executive leadership to the police service by:
Leading the effective management, administration and operation of the WPS
Implementing the strategic priorities through an annual Business Plan
Reporting to the Board on targets and measures that support the strategic plan
Reporting to the Board throughout the year on budgets, emerging issues, innovation, major risks, and critical incidents
Upholding excellent stewardship of financial and human resources
In keeping with provincial legislation, The Path to Reconciliation Act, the Chief of Police is to be guided by the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the calls for justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls when developing strategic advice and the business activities that support the Strategic Plan;
The Chief of Police will establish, nurture, and sustain a culture of accountability, transparency, inclusion, empowerment, high performance and continuous improvement. Together with an appropriately structured executive team, the Chief of Police will implement progressive community policing practices, focused on keeping communities safe and preventing crime through integrated and appropriately resourced services. The Chief of Police will create trust-based, reciprocal and valuable relationships with employees, governments, community partners, the business community and residents.
LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITIES
Accountability 1: Strategy, Planning and Performance Measurement
In conjunction with the Board and in accordance with its direction, oversee the development of the WPS’s input on a strategic plan for the Service with a focus on prevention, intervention and suppression
Provide leadership in formulating an inspirational vision and clear strategic directions, goals and objectives, aligned with the priorities of the WPS and the City
Lead the timely implementation of a comprehensive strategy to meet the service, financial and efficiency goals of the WPS
Hold accountability for implementation of the strategic plan
Evaluate the success of the strategic plan in conjunction with the Board
Respect, promote and fully engage with the Board to implement the spirit and intent of civilian governance of police services established under The Police Services Act, and ensure ongoing compliance with the requirements of the Act.
Develop and implement processes and practices to identify needs and expectations of oversight bodies, funders, partners and citizens as well as social, economic and law enforcement trends that will impact the delivery of services
Using evidence about current crime and organizational change trends, evaluate the WPS’s ability to meet needs and address future conditions or issues and advise the Board
Articulate and communicate the WPS’s philosophy of community partnerships in policing and ensure it is reflected in all programs and services
Ensure there is a comprehensive but clear reporting system that ensures a ‘direct line of sight’ between strategic goals and outcomes
Accountability 2: Organizational, Operational and Financial Leadership
Translate the strategic plan into operational/business plans and communicate to all employees, partners and citizens
Develop, sustain and lead a high performance, respectful, and inclusive culture and environment where multiple perspectives are sought, risk is mitigated, innovation is encouraged and all employees are committed to excellence in service delivery
Lead a cohesive, collaborative senior management team that is committed to the best interests of the WPS and the community
Establish strong human resource policies and practices that ensure highly qualified staff are recruited and retained, performance expectations are clearly defined, workforce planning and development and succession management are effectively implemented
Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of an effective organizational structure
Optimize service delivery while balancing financial resources and keeping staff safe and healthy
Establish operational performance indicators within the performance measurement system that allow for consistent monitoring of organizational performance
Maintain and enhance strong risk management practices
Accountability 3: Winnipeg Police Board Support
As the official link between the Board and WPS employees, ensure formal communication and the appropriate sharing of information between the Board and staff
Advise and assist the Board in the development of policies, strategic priorities, programs, services and new initiatives in response to identified needs as well as provide up-to-date information about changing environmental landscapes
Ensure formal written documentation including, but not limited to, reports, background information and briefing materials are prepared and presented to the Board as required to support decisions, the development of policy and reporting to the City as well as to ensure the Board is appropriately informed of outcome
Accountability 4: Public Relations and Partner Relationship Management
Perform effectively as a spokesperson for the WPS
Establish and oversee the execution of multi-faceted communication strategies and channels to ensure internal and external stakeholders, including citizens are aware of the services provided by the WPS, the major programs and initiatives and their benefits and WPS’s progress towards achieving and maintaining goals
Foster productive, mutually respectful and effective working relationships with media, government officials, community service delivery partners, associations and unions, Indigenous communities and the business community to ensure progressive, holistic and evidence based approaches to community safety are implemented
Represent the WPS at official and community functions
THE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The Board relies on the knowledge, skills and experience of the Chief of Police to ensure the organization’s success. The ideal candidate will have a specialized background and many unique competencies.
The ideal candidate should possess a minimum of 10 years of diverse and progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including at least 10 years in senior policing leadership and executive management. A proven change leader with an extensive background in public service excellence, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated successful track record modernizing public safety organizations and establishing a collaborative, inclusive culture and leading transformational change. A thought leader as well as an accomplished executive, the prospective Chief of Police will be knowledgeable in regard to truth and reconciliation and key documents related to these central concepts including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and Reclaiming Power and Place, the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Calls for Justice. The ideal candidate will bring passion, humility and authenticity, complemented by a post-secondary degree in police science, criminal justice, public administration, business administration or a related field, and a career of progressive growth as a senior leader in a large policing or related organization. Preferred qualifications include experience in media and community relations, familiarity with governance structures, and the ability to handle public sector and police union matters. Additionally, a successful track record in senior administrative management, business innovation, financial acumen, and a commitment to community service are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate proficiency in budget management, effective communication, and building strong relationships with various stakeholders. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. A Master’s degree in a related field such as public or business administration is desired.
This role requires the ability to work effectively with the Board and be accountable to the Board for operationalizing strategic goals and reporting tangible outcomes. The Chief of Police will work with other government stakeholders and establish strong, trust-based relationships with partners to achieve community safety goals.
If you are a visionary leader, have excellent oral, written and presentation skills and experience as a public spokesperson, demonstrate decisiveness and excellent judgment, political and financial acumen and have earned a reputation as someone who is credible, transparent and who drives results, you will want to explore this exciting opportunity.