Councillor with correctional officer background poised to join police board
The Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood councillor notes a ratification vote will be held at Thursday's city council meeting, after council members informally recommended him for the job.
If approved, he will fill a vacancy created when Mayor Scott Gillingham resigned from the board in June.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood councillor Evan Duncan will be nominated to become the next member of the Winnipeg Police Board at a ratification vote to be held at Thursday's city council meeting.
'For me, with my justice background… I hope that I can work with the (police) chief and his deputies and, obviously, the board to find some solutions to prioritize public safety first and foremost… to make sure that Winnipeg can improve upon the current state of safety because it's not good,' said Duncan.
While he noted the police board is not permitted to direct specific WPS operations, Duncan said he would push for federal bail reform to reduce the risk caused by repeat offenders.
'I see that there are a lot of people that are out on our streets that are dangerous. I see a lot of people that are getting way too many chances and that ultimately lies with the federal government and the criminal code and how that's interpreted,' said Duncan.
He also sees a need for efforts to improve the morale of front-line officers, noting police interactions are often recorded on video by the public and scrutinized.
'The job of police men and women is a very difficult one, so I think it all comes… down to the morale and making sure that when these folks are doing their job that they're being supported,' said Duncan.
Before being elected as a city councillor, Duncan worked for Manitoba Justice. He first worked as a youth correctional officer and juvenile councillor. Following that, he took on a role in the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder youth justice program, then worked for the provincial government as an investigator in the security intelligence branch.
Duncan stressed his job experience taught him that offering the right supports and resources is key to ensuring young offenders have the best chance at rehabilitation.
'My primary focus when I worked with youth in custody was how to set them up for success,' he said.
The chairman of the Winnipeg Police Board believes Duncan will bring valuable experience to the role.
'Coun. Duncan has a background in justice coming from the province, more specifically with youth justice, and I think that's a strong addition on the board,' said Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River).
Chambers said WPS has recently focused on tackling youth crime, including through Project Surge, which allows police to seek social supports for youths repeatedly involved in violent crime.
'I think (Duncan's background) will lend itself to some of the issues the board is facing now (with) youth crimes, violent crimes… We want to make sure we have a strategy in place,' he said.
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Chambers said Duncan could also help identify proactive measures to support youth.
'Working with youth, identifying what their needs are (can help us)… make sure that youth have something to do in the community, as opposed to turning to crime and gangs,' he said.
If city council approves, Chambers said Duncan's appointment would take effect immediately.
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Joyanne PursagaReporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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