Winnipeg Police Service announce their new chief of police

After months of searching, the Winnipeg Police Service has finally named its next top cop as Gene Bowers steps in as the city’s new chief of police.

Bowers will take over for police chief Danny Smyth, who resigned last September. With 36 years of experience with the Winnipeg Police Force, Bowers is set to start his new role on Monday. He wants to address violent crime, Strengthen community relationships, and improve officer morale.

“I think I have that experience and background, I have the empathy to do this job and support citizens, safety is a concern and that’s what I want to do,” said Gene Bowers, the new Chief of Police for the Winnipeg Police Service.

In December, chair of the police board, Markus Chambers, confirmed that a candidate had been selected and would be revealed before the end of 2024.

But by January of this year, Chambers said the city sought legal guidance on how to move forward with the hiring process, after new information came to light in December. While no details were provided on the delay, both Chambers and Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized their confidence in Bowers.

“We have a candidate here that is an excellent candidate that is willing to work very collaboratively with the board and community stakeholders to make that transformational change the board is looking for,” said Chambers.

Gillingham adds, “We want to see community policing, someone with the experience and knowledge of our community and the vision to make our city safer and those are his priorities as well, so I am very pleased.”

Bowers says he has a lot of ideas to bring forward and the need to get back into the community.

“I want to be out in the community, meet with the Indigenous leadership and community, and hear what they want from the chief as well and the service so that’s key communications the key to everything,” said Bowers.

There is no set date for Chief Bowers to be sworn in.