Former Winnipeg police officer to lead new transit security force

A former long-serving Winnipeg police officer has taken the job of leading the city's new transit security force, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced Monday. 

Robert Chrismas has more than 35 years of experience with the Winnipeg Police Service, including 13 years as a staff sergeant, according to a Monday news release. He holds a doctorate in peace and conflict studies and has written about community safety issues, including first responder mental health, sex trafficking, reconciliation and policing.

Gillingham said he believes Chrismas will balance care for people in crisis with enforcement, according to the release.

Chrismas began his new job Monday, and will lead the establishment of the new team, officially dubbed the community safety team.

Officers will receive training in self-defence, security, and de-escalation techniques, the release said.

Gillingham announced the creation of the team in response to growing concerns about security incidents on city buses, including assaults against drivers and passengers. 

The Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents bus drivers in Winnipeg, recorded 201 safety incidents this year, including verbal threats with weapons, attempted assaults and physical assaults. 

That's up 55 per cent from 130 in 2022, while there were 88 incidents in 2021 and 86 in 2020.

The appointment of Chrismas represents a significant step toward prioritizing the safety of the transit system and the well-being of drivers and passengers, ATU Local 1505 president Chris Scott said in an email statement.

Union representatives will met with him in the coming weeks to go over specific concerns.

The city plans to hire 24 officers for the team, with a focus on bus routes with the highest number of incidents, Gillingham said in March.