Manitoba

Winnipeg Police Service names Danny Smyth as deputy chief

Danny Smyth, a Winnipeg police superintendent who has been the public face of the police service in recent high-profile cases, has been promoted to deputy chief.

Smyth, previously a superintendent, promoted to deputy chief of investigative services

Supt. Danny Smyth speaks to reporters on July 22 about the Winnipeg Police Service's 2014 statistical report. The service announced on Monday that Smyth has been promoted to deputy chief of investigative services. (CBC)

Danny Smyth, a Winnipeg police superintendent who has been the public face of the police service in recent high-profile cases, has been promoted to deputy chief.

Police Chief Devon Clunis announced on Monday that Smyth is now deputy chief of investigative services, which is a new position.

A second-generation police officer, Smyth joined the Winnipeg Police Service in 1986 and has worked as a uniformed officer as well as in covert investigations.

As a superintendent, Smyth oversaw the investigations branch, which includes the homicide, major crimes, organized crime and forensic, intelligence and technology units.

He spoke for the police service in some high-profile cases, including a vicious attack on teenager Rinelle Harper in November 2014 and a series of mail bombings last month.

Before being named a superintendent in 2012, he played "key roles" in establishing a full-time tactical support team and a street crime unit, the service said in a news release.