The situations they face afford public figures the opportunity to define themselves.
The Situation
Part I the Media Release
It started innocently enough with the following Media Release
November 29, 2016
Winnipeg Police Service Media Release
For Immediate Release
Update – Homicide Investigation – C14-266289
Male Arrested:
As previously released -On December 14, 2014, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Winnipeg Police Service members and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to the area of Selkirk Avenue and Charles Street for the report of a female having been stabbed.
An adult female, suffering from stab wounds, was located and transported to hospital in critical condition. She succumbed to her injuries.
The victim was identified as Angela Marie POORMAN, 29 years of Winnipeg.
The investigation continued by members of the Homicide Unit.
Investigators learned the victim met a male early that morning. An argument erupted between the two and the male suspect produced a large knife. The victim was stabbed multiple times before the male fled the area.
Due to the efforts of numerous WPS resources, some of which include: Uniform Patrol, Forensic Identification, Counter Exploitation Unit and Major Crimes, a suspect was identified and arrested.
On November 28, 2016, a charge of 2nd Degree Murder was authorized and an 18 year old male was arrested. The accused cannot be named as he was a youth at the time of the alleged offence.
He was remanded into custody.
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Part II, the press conference
In the subsequent news conference police spokesperson Jason Michalyshen expanded on the Media Release and added some additional information.
He stated in part:
“Their encounter on this one particular morning was essentially an agreement for sexual services for cash.”
“This agreement led to an argument specific to money and ultimately the accused in this matter allegedly produced a large knife and proceeded to strike or stab Ms. Poorman multiple times.”
Part III, the accusation
Enter Leslie Spillett the Director of Ka Ni Kanichihk and former members of the Winnipeg Police Board with the following comments:
“It framed Angela Poorman as a sex-trade worker, which had nothing to do with her murder.”
“Indigenous women are always characterized in such a negative way, which adds to their victimization.”
“Stop blaming Indigenous women for being murdered.”
Part IV, the Chief’s response
This was a defining moment for Chief Smyth.
Would he point out to Spillett that Poorman’s tragic death had everything to do with her being a sex trade worker and was a death that could have been prevented? Would he make this a ‘teaching’ moment for Spillett, sex trade workers and indeed the public or would be veer off into political correctness?
Smyth choose the latter course, offering an apology to Spillett and the Indigenous community at large.
He then took it one step further and personally ‘spoke to’ (read reprimanded) the Public Information officer in question.
Part V, Conclusion
Chief Smyth has taken the first step to becoming the Chief Apologist and not the Chief of Police of the Winnipeg Police Service.
Policing, Politics and Public Policy 
This situation surely strikes a deep nerve with many police officers. If there was a honeymoon, I think its over.
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In Winston Churchill speak, Chief Smyth is feeding the crocodile in hope that she’ll eat him last!
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Very interesting read, Truly a challenging public affairs issue fraught with the history of this city. A strong leader will take the advice of his staff and make his own decision. So what identified your career where people remember you as to who you are? We all have a story. Nice read.
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Are simple statements of the facts now to be construed as somehow constituting an assignment of blame? Great effort has been and continues to be exerted on matters of truth and reconciliation. Apparently not all truths are of equal merit.
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Danny made a choice – he could risk all manner of political sewage which would directly impact every aspect of operational and financial operations, or simply go with the flow. There’s nothing wrong with picking the battles you are willing to war over, and this wasn’t one of them regardless if some of the troops aren’t happy. Look at it from the public’s perspective – the department hasn’t been particularly forthcoming with information about certain crimes/incidents since the days of a rather (IMHO) smarmy and combative spokes person who became a member of parliament. Out pops a bit or relevant information that the press was quite happy to seize on and exploit – which although relevant was the exception rather than the rule in disclosure. The real problem is that the department hasn’t been consistent in providing information.The line about too much public information will hamper an investigation has more than worn a little thin. Spillet beating her gums and exploiting it is the result of that policy. Danny isn’t the bad guy this time around AFAIC.
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