Devon Clunis solidified his place in history in 2012 when he became the first Black chief of police in Canadian history. Clunis immigrated from Jamaica with his family in 1975 at age 11 and he began his career in law enforcement with the Winnipeg Police Service in 1987. Clunis occupied several roles and moved up in ranks from patrol to community relations and then chaplain to superintendent. He served as chief of the Winnipeg Police from 2012 to 2016. Before 2012, Winnipeg was well known across the country for some of the highest amounts of crime and gang affiliation per capita in Canada. Clunis worked internally with his officers to redefine their roles, reconstruct their purpose and re-invent their systems to be more inclusive through a human/community first approach.

Devon Clunis led an organization of over 1900 employees with an annual budget surpassing $263,000,000.00. Success meant learning to navigate complex work environments, attracting and retaining highly motivated, passionate, results-driven, team-oriented individuals, while creating inclusive, caring cultures that gave each individual a sense of purpose and belonging. He defined his approach as a “compassionate and community building” leadership style, and the outcomes he produced were defined as “nothing short of a miracle” by McLean’s Magazine in 2016.

With the help of key difference makers, He was able to achieve success in a culturally challenging setting. The little boy from Jamaica went on to become a Canadian history maker; the first Black Chief of Police in Canadian history. After his retirement, he transitioned to a consulting role with the Winnipeg police. Devon Clunis continued to be a trailblazer in Winnipeg by packing McNally Robinson Bookseller with more than 300 people in January 2017 for the launch of his first children’s book, The Little Boy From Jamaica. Co-authored by his wife Pearlene.

Clunis achieved another first in 2020 when he was appointed as Ontario’s first inspector general of policing in Canada. The province implemented the new role to oversee policing services and improve issues around transparency, accountability and public trust. Solicitor General Sylvia Jones spoke very highly of Clunis during the Oct. 2 release about the new appointment, describing his reputation as, “an exceptional and transformational police leader.” Devon Clunis applies his proven leadership principles across North America helping individuals and organizations achieve their aspirational goals to bring awareness through a humanized approach to their work and their everyday relationships.  He is passionate to make a difference for all Canadians, and to create conversations that combat oppression.