Winnipeg police chief: Expect more 'unorthodox' methods in solving crimes

Winnipeg's police chief says the service will likely adopt more unconventional tactics to solve crimes in the city, especially cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women.

The Winnipeg Police Board met on Friday to discuss a resolution on the issue, with all members agreeing that the statistics are tragic and police need to act.

Board member David Keam said he wants to see faster results, citing the quick arrests in a sexual assault case after police made the unusual move of naming the victim, 16-year-old Rinelle Harper.

Police Chief Devon Clunis said without some kind of change in approach, there will be no change in the city.

"For me, status quo's not working. So yes, you will see more of those types of unorthodox procedures and policies because we need to change course in order to have the impact that we desire for our city," he said.

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• Winnipeg should take 'reins' on murdered, missing women: police chief

Under Canadian law, survivors of sexual assault, as well as minors who commit or are the victims of crimes, are normally not identified.

In Harper's case, she is both a sexual assault victim and a minor.

Winnipeg police made the rare move on Monday of releasing her name — with the permission of her parents — in the hopes that the public would come forward with information about the attack.

Clunis said simply calling someone a victim does not resonate with everyone.

"This is a beautiful young girl that was brutally attacked — you know, people feel that," he said. "So I think we need to start thinking about that. This is not just a stat."

Two days after police released Harper's name, police announced that two males were arrested in connection with the case.

Justin Hudson, 20, and a 17-year-old male have been charged with attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault with a weapon.

On Friday, Clunis said he looks forward to a resolution from the Winnipeg Police Board that has a real constructive direction in the fight to solve crimes involving missing and murdered women in the city.