Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis retires as cuts loom

Winnipeg's police chief is stepping down.

"Some of you might find it difficult to believe, but I'm extremely happy to be announcing my retirement," Devon Clunis saidThursday at a news conference attended by Mayor Brian Bowman andpolice board chair Scott Gillingham.

Clunis,who is 52, has worked with the force for 29 years andwas sworn in as policechief onNov. 2, 2012. Hesaid his goal as chief was to foster a"culture of safety" for all citizens, by "raising the social consciousness" of the community.

"Only by addressing the social roots of crime will we be effective," saidClunis on Thursday.

"I truly want to thank the men and women of the Winnipeg Police Service [and]the citizens of Winnipegfor having helped me to accomplish my purpose, my goals," he said.

Clunissaid potential cuts to the Winnipeg Police Servicehave "absolutely" nothing to do with his decision to retire.

"I've been contemplating this whole issue of retirement for quite some time now," he said, adding he wants to spend more time with his wife.

RAW: Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis, "I am extremely happy to be announcing my retirement." "It's simply time for me."

9 years ago

Duration 3:11

Winnipeg's police chief is stepping down. Devon Clunis, who was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2012, announced his retirement Thursday.

Police layoffs looming,councillorsays

Mynarskicouncillorand police board memberRossEadiesaid80 officers and cadets have tobe laid off.

"There are enough officers being laid off that there won't be a cadet program,"Eadiesaid.

TheMynarskicouncillorsaidhe will introduce a motion later this month calling for a raise in property taxes to make up the difference in the budget and prevent the layoffs.

RAW: Chief Devon Clunis answers questions from the media

9 years ago

Duration 4:53

Winnipeg's police chief is stepping down. Devon Clunis, who was sworn in on Nov. 2, 2012, announced his retirement Thursday.

Cluniscame to Winnipeg with his family from Jamaica 40 years ago and grew up in the North End.

During his 29-yearcareer with the Winnipeg Police Service, heserved in all major areas of the organization, including uniformpatrol, traffic, plainclothes investigation, community relations, organizational developmentand duty office, as well as in a number of administrative leadership roles.

Mayor Brian Bowman said he was surprised to learn Clunis had decidedto retire but after speaking with the chief, heunderstands and respects thedecision.

"You will be leaving a police force that is stronger, a police force that is better than when you started," Bowman said to Clunis.

George Van Mackelberg,vice president of theWinnipeg Police Association, saidClunis' departure is a blow to the Winnipeg Police Service and the city.

"I think it's a shame," saidMackelberg.

Police officers respectedClunis because he rose up through the ranks and knows Winnipegso well, he said.

"He understands the unique dynamics of the city and culture that we have here. He was proud to be a member of this community and the police service," said Mackelberg.

Clunishad a 'massive influence'

Point Douglas community activistSel Burrows will missClunis, who led the force for more than three years.

"I'm extremely disappointed that he's retiring," Burrows said.

"He's had a massive positive influence in our community and on the whole city."

Cluniswas a different kind of chief for Winnipeg, he said. Hemade great efforts to work with strugglingneighbourhoods likePoint Douglas, Burrows said.

"He trusted the community, wanted people to work with him," he said.

Clunis believed in "smart policing," Burrows said, which he described as gettingto know strugglingcommunities on a personal leveland taking strategicsteps toprevent crime. For example, underClunis's leadership police partnered with landlords to identify drug dealers and evict them, Burrows said.

"As a result Point Douglas is a safer place, Winnipeg is a better place," he said.

As a senior officer, Cluniswas willing to admit there were problems in the police force and promoted officers who excelled in working with community members, Burrows said.

"That set a whole new tone through the Winnipeg police."

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