Winnipeg Police Service chief declares state of emergency

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State of Emergency

Winnipeg Police Service chief declares state of emergency

January 5, 2022

Winnipeg’s chief of police, Danny Smyth has declared a state of emergency for the Winnipeg Police Service effective today, January 5, 2022.

Chief Danny Smyth declares a WPS state of emergency

“The current COVID-19 situation has significantly impacted our staffing resources. It has become necessary to execute parts of our Business Continuity Plan to ensure essential services particularly in General Patrol,” said Smyth.

The WPS currently has 170 people booked off on COVID-19 related leave including 90 staff with active cases of COVID-19.

By declaring a state of emergency the chief is able to quickly redeploy officers from other units to general patrol. Beginning on Monday, January 10, 2022, WPS has designated 80 officers to be assigned to general patrol.

Smyth said that the changes are designed to ensure officers in general patrol units will be able continue to respond to incidents and help people when they are needed. Officers from other units can be redeployed as pressure is put on staffing levels. The WPS can also look at restructuring officer’s shifts if the need arises.