Winnipeg Copwatch

The Law Enforcement Review Agency (LERA) has responded to Winnipeg Copwatch’s complaint about illegal camera seizures and arrests of camera-people by recommending the Winnipeg Police Service change its policy. In a letter to Winnipeg Copwatch, LERA Commissioner George Wright says: [T]wo issues have been identified that may have caused or contributed to an alleged disciplinary default. They are: The detention of citizens using recording devices. Seizure of cameras and cell telephone recording devices. He goes on to say: I am writing to Keith McCaskill, Chief of the WPS and Glen Laubenstein, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) City of Winnipeg recommending that appropriate changes be implemented to ensure that police officers are aware of their legal authorities relative to these two issues. Winnipeg [...]

International Day Against Police Brutality Saturday March 13th, 2010 12:00 – March and rally in solidarity with those who have experienced violence by police and in celebration of community power. meet at the park next to Ndinawe (472 Selkirk). March to 430 Langside for hot beverages, delicious food and a movie. Return Bus tickets will be [...]

After a spate of police confiscations of cameras belonging to journalists and citizens over the past five years, and an ignored attempt to resolve the issue with Winnipeg Police Service Chief Keith McCaskill, Winnipeg Copwatch is today launching a campaign to help protect everyone who takes pictures or films in public, with three initiatives: In [...]

Dany Villanueva, the older brother of Fredy Villanueva, who was killed by the Montreal Police in August 2008, has learned that the Canada Border Services Agency will begin the process of trying to deport him from Canada, by attempting to remove his permanent residency status. Dany is scheduled to testify as a key witness at [...]

Winnipeg Copwatch is hosting a free workshop on how to safely and effectively witness police interactions. It will include sections on camera and recording skills, de-escalation techniques, knowing your rights, and more. Whether you’re interested in witnessing on your own to prevent police misconduct, starting a copwatching group with friends, participating in Winnipeg Copwatch patrols, [...]

Winnipeg Copwatch’s February 2010 newsletter is now out. It includes articles on the WPAB report on newcomer’s experiences with the police in Winnipeg this past year’s transgender day of rememberance policing-related news briefs and more…

The Winnipeg Police Service Professional Standards Unit has decided to end its investigation of allegations officers beat Stephanie Kay Warren without taking action against any officer involved. She was 18 years old last year when she says the beating took place at the notorious Hartford station, with officers shouting racist comments at her. This is [...]

Yesterday, a video was presented in court showing Winnipeg police officers beating a man in a parking lot in downtown Winnipeg almost a year ago.  CBC says the video shows four officers pinning the man to the ground, while others kick, knee, and punch him, as well as taser him twice. The police earlier claimed [...]

Family, friends, and supporters have raised the profile of Wilfred Asham’s death in custody of the Winnipeg Police Service in 2007 to the level that an inquest has been called.  The inquest will only examine the circumstances that led to his death, and not result in charges or punitive action being taken against anyone found [...]

A report by the Winnipeg Police Advisory Board has revealed the negative experiences of many new immigrants in the city when interacting with police. Some of the items the report touches on are “Lack of respect by some police toward the newcomer community in general” “General harassment of black youth during everyday activities” “Unwarranted combative/assaultive [...]