No takers for consultations on new Winnipeg police chief

It might be "the most important decision" the Winnipeg Police Board makes, but no one took up the offer to weigh in on the qualities needed for a new chief of police for Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg Police Board meeting on Friday had blocked out time for delegations to speak on the city's next top cop, but the participation was zero.

• Winnipeg police board wants community input on next chief

Board member Leslie Spillett was surprised no-one showed, but says there will be other ways to get that feedback.

"Maybe it was a bit surprising, but I think there are other opportunities to have that access," Spillett said.

Spillett says the community-based social development efforts made by Chief Clunis are woven into the direction the Police Board has set for the service and a new chief.

Spillett expects any candidate who wants the job will bring those ideals.

"We want a community that will have the best possible relationship with the new chief and the Winnipeg Police Service generally. That leadership is critical to that relationship," Spillett told CBC News.

Board chair Scott Gillingham says the lack of interest isn't the end of efforts to engage the community on a replacement for outgoing Chief Devon Clunis.

"I'd like to believe that maybe there was no-one here today because we are giving other opportunities - people are taking other opportunities over time. And there are other mechanisms now to where they can contribute as well." said Gillingham.

Gilllingham says the Board is receiving written submissions and will meet with at least ten stakeholder groups in the community to canvas their opinions on a new chief.

Members of the public and representatives of community groups can email their submissions to [email protected]

Chief Clunis says -— go local

There is one person at the Police Board meeting today with an opinion on the qualifications for a new chief - outgoing Chief Devon Clunis.

His position is that despite a national search being launched for a replacement, Clunis believes the best candidate is a local person already working for the WPS. Clunis thinks an officer from out-of-town would need significant time to acclimatize to the city.

"That would actually delay the track that we are currently on," Clunis told reporters.

Clunis believes the city has its own challenges best understood by people who've worked here.

"Winnipeg is a very unique place to police. It's always important to have someone who understands your city, understands your officers, understands the unique dynamics," 

The Police Board hopes to have a new chief sworn in by this coming November.