Sat Sep 28 22:34:25 UTC 2024: ## Winnipeg Families Demand Overhaul of Police Complaint System Amidst Growing Concerns over Police Violence
**WINNIPEG, MB** – A coalition of families impacted by police violence in Winnipeg is demanding sweeping changes to the way complaints against police are handled in the province, citing a systemic issue of racism within the Winnipeg Police Service. The call for action comes amidst a series of high-profile incidents involving police and Indigenous individuals in the city, including the death of James Wood, who died in police custody in January.
The Coalition of Families Affected by Police Violence, which includes family members and supporters, held a community meeting on Saturday, where they presented an open letter to Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. The letter, signed by over 100 individuals, calls for the establishment of a body dedicated to investigating complaints against the police system as a whole, not just individual officers.
“This is about an entire system that has been failing us for generations,” said Brian Wood, father of James Wood. “We need systemic remedies to address systemic racism.”
The coalition argues that the current system, which relies on the Law Enforcement Review Agency (LERA) to handle complaints, is inadequate. They point to the fact that the system has been criticized for its lack of independence and its failure to address systemic issues.
The group also called for reforms to the Fatal Inquiries Act, citing concerns that current inquests into state-involved deaths are not fulfilling their purpose of preventing future incidents.
The meeting comes at a critical time for the Winnipeg Police Service, as the city is searching for a new police chief to replace Danny Smyth. Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, a community advocate and James Wood’s aunt, emphasized the need for the new chief to address the deep-rooted fear and distrust within the Indigenous community towards law enforcement.
“There has to be transformative change,” she stated.
Two members of the Winnipeg police board attended the meeting, signaling the growing concern among community leaders about the need for change. The province has been contacted for comment on the coalition’s demands.
First Piper 