Gene Bowers has officially been sworn in as Winnipeg’s newest police chief.
Bowers was named the 19th Chief of Police on March 7, replacing former chief Danny Smyth who retired in September.
Speaking at the ceremony Monday, Bowers said he has several priorities to tackle now that he is chief, from addressing violent crime to working on reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
“I understand that each community has unique challenges and representation. There is a need for our members and leaders to become more accessible and to build stronger relationships. We will not only listen to our community members, we will respond. Winnipeggers need to see change,” said Bowers.
When talking about violent crime, he said police cannot tolerate what is happening.
“As chief, I refuse to accept the level of violence the city is experiencing and will ensure a suppression strategy is deployed to meet this challenge head-on. This will include a focus on repeat violent offenders released on bail conditions. The Winnipeg police will not be spectators or wait for more citizens to be victimized.”
Bowers said he plans to have a unit focused on violent crime, which will be done using “data-driven intelligence and metrics.”
Bowers joined the force in 1989 after graduating from the University of Manitoba and has served on both the Manitoba Human Trafficking Team Committee and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Task Force.
Using this background, Bowers said he wants to work with Indigenous leaders.
“My vision is that the Winnipeg Police Service will be a leader in reconciliation with our Indigenous communities to heal past wounds, and my ultimate hope is that reconciliation will be woven into the fabric of our services.”
Bowers also touched on creating a “diversity action circle” that will “ensure inclusion and representation of all citizens, with a focus on newcomers.”
Coun. Markus Chambers—the chair of the police board—said Bowers becoming police chief is “transformative” for Winnipeg.
“We are confident that under Chief Bowers leadership, we will see significant strides in enhancing public safety, while building positive relationships within our community,” said Chambers in a news release.
“We look forward to supporting you in this vital role as we work together to create a brighter future for all residents.”
