Letter Of The Day

CHIEF EWATSKI RESPONDS

My letter is prompted by sports reporter Paul Wiecek's comments
featured in your website. Wiecek is apparently concerned with the
Winnipeg Police Service's limited provision of details in the deeply
disturbing shooting of three of my members last Thursday night. He
apparently views our limited communications as a "cover-up" of this
very serious incident.

We still do not have all the details of Thursday's incident, as those
most closely involved have not been in a condition to be interviewed;
however, this investigation will be thoroughly and carefully unfolded
over the coming days, as more becomes known by our investigators.

My responsibility as chief is to ensure, first and foremost, the care
and well-being of my members. I must also ensure the integrity of the
investigation to prevent the subsequent prosecution of very serious
charges, including attempted murder, from being compromised. For
those reasons, we are strictly limited in what we can share publicly
at this point in time.

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my fellow WPS
members, to thank the countless people from Winnipeg and across the
continent who have contacted us with words of compassion,
encouragement and appreciation for the dangers my members face while
faithfully protecting their city. Our whole service, including our
three injured members, is bolstered in this trying time by these very
kind messages of support.

Chief Jack J. Ewatski

Winnipeg Police Service