Manitoba’s Police Services Act requires that each municipality operating a police service, establish a police board to oversee its operations. The Police Services Act was introduced to modernize police governance and oversight in the province and it replaces the antiquated Provincial Police Act. The requirement for Police Boards to oversee the operations of police services represents best practices in Canadian law enforcement, no matter the size of police services.
The 5-member Police Board for the RM of Victoria Beach are: Mike Bartmanovich, Irwin Kumka, Liz Murray, Andrew Smith and Tim Flook. On August 02, 2022 Council appointed 4 members to the board including the Chair, Mike Bartmanovich. Mike is a permanent resident of VB and he may be reached at vbpoliceboardchair@gmail.com. Council also appointed: Andrew Smith as Vice Chair who is a seasonal resident of Victoria Beach, Irwin Kumka, Councillor and seasonal resident, Liz Murray, former Police Board Chair and seasonal resident. The Provincial appointment is Tim Flook. All members of the Board attend annual mandatory training seminars.
The purpose of the Police Board is to provide civilian control over law enforcement, the maintenance of public peace and crime prevention in the municipality. The Police Board provides administrative and strategic direction and the organization necessary to provide an adequate, effective police force within the municipality. The Police Board works with the Police Chief to establish annual budgets, priorities, and objectives that reflect the needs and values of our community. The Police Board establishes policies for the effective management of the police service and the Board acts as a liaison between the community and the police service. The Police Board has a duty to ensure that police services are delivered in a manner consistent with the needs, values and expectations of the community of Victoria Beach.
The Police Board does not give orders or direction to any police officer on specific operational decisions, investigations or the day-to-day operation of the police service.
The Police Board holds four public meetings annually. Meeting times may vary depending on Board members availability. The 2023 calendar is as follows:
- February 2, 2023