Police chief Danny Smyth promises to work with Indigenous female leaders

Winnipeg's new police chief Danny Smythis promising improved relationships between police and female Indigenous leaders.

Smyth was sworn in Tuesday at a ceremonyled by Mayor Brian Bowman, Chief Judge MargaretWiebe, Police Board ChairJeffBrowaty, and other dignitaries at city hall.

During his speech, Smyth told the audience he has come to admire groups led by "strong women in the community" likeWinnipeg Outreach Network andthe Sexually Exploited Youth Coalition.

Danny Smyth takes oath of office

8 years ago

Duration 1:47

Winnipeg has a new chief of police. Long-time member of the service, Danny Smyth was sworn in as chief Tuesday.

"Partnering with groups like this is the true essence of crime prevention through social development," said Smyth."I think the women in our community will play a huge role in helping us get there."

The new police chief named inner-city activistLeslie Spillett,Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre'sDiane Redsky andMLA Nahanni Fontaineas examples of the Indigenous leaders he hopes to work with. He also expressed his admiration forShahinaSiddiqui, executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association.

"Times are changing, here we go," said Smyth, who noted 2016 is both the Year of Reconciliation in Winnipegand the 100th anniversary of women serving in the city's police force.

Adoption taught Smyth empathy

Smythwas born in Winnipeg and adoptedasa young child. He wasraised in NorthKildonanand continues to live in the north part of Winnipeg with his wife and two teenage children.

"Being adopted is a fact I don't talk much about but it's not because it's a secret ... it's because it never much mattered," he said.

"My mom did something unconventional after giving birth to my sister. She opted to adopt me. And I've since learned that dad reluctantly came along for the ride."

His experience as an adopted child instilleda sense of empathy inSmyth, he said.

"Inherently, I knew I was fortunate to belong to this family and privileged to be introduced to this world," he said gesturing to the crowd of friends, family and colleagues.

Smyth received a bachelor of arts degree in 1983 and shortly after, at the age of 23,fulfilled a dream and became a police officer.Smyth, at five-foot-seven, would have been too short had the force's height policy not changed just before he applied to work with the organization.

Smyth later went on to earn a master's degree in organizational management in 2006. He has also lectured at the University of Winnipeg in criminal justice.

In2005,Smythwas promoted to inspector before serving as superintendent and laterdeputy chief.

In his speech,Smyth thanked his predecessor Devon Clunisfor promoting him.

"It has been an honour to serve as part of your team and I promise not to wreck the car," Smyth said to Clunis, who announced his retirement in March.

• Deputy Chief Danny Smyth to be promoted to Winnipeg's new chief of police
• Danny Smyth almost didn't join Winnipeg police because he was too short