Deputy Chief Danny Smyth enter a press conference in Winnipeg, on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Deputy Chief Danny Smyth will soon lead the Winnipeg Police Service after being named the new chief on Monday.
Smyth joined the service in 1986 and is a second generation officer after following in the steps of his father’s profession.
Smyth takes over for Devon Clunis, who retired this summer. Clunis served in his current role for four years.
“I look forward to continued community engagement,” Smyth said. “Healthy engagement with the community is vital for our Service, and getting to know the people that make up our diverse neighbourhoods enables us to better understand the problems they are confronted with. It also reinforces the notion that we too are members of the community doing our best to help our neighbours deal with crime and disorder.”
Mayor Brian Bowman congratulated Smyth for taking on the demanding role.
“The chief of police is an important role, and the person in it plays a critical leadership role in our community,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside Deputy Chief Smyth in the future, and would like to wish him all the best as he officially begins his tenure next month.”
Clunis, who was sworn in as chief in 2012, said he stepped down after 29 years of service to spend more time with his wife.
He moved to Winnipeg from Jamaica 40 years ago.
Smyth’s recommendation by the Winnipeg Police Board will be accepted on November 4, with a swearing-in ceremony planned for November 8.
About Danny Smyth
Danny Smyth has more than 30 years’ experience with the Winnipeg Police Service, and currently serves as Deputy Chief of Investigative Services. Deputy Chief Smyth has worked in a number of areas, including Uniform Operations and covert investigations in the both the Vice Unit and Surveillance Unit. He achieved his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management in 2006. He also served on the Faculty of the University of Winnipeg until 2014, lecturing in the Criminal Justice Department.
— With files from The Canadian Press
