from Joyanne Pursaga of the Winnipeg Sun,

Winnipeg Police Service Chief Devon Clunis said officers made the right call in providing a police escort to get an NHL team to MTS Centre on time.

Clunis told the Winnipeg Police Board Friday the Ottawa Senators paid for the escort after being delayed due to mechanical issues on a flight just prior to Tuesday's game. The decision involved no police overtime and occurred when resources were available, Clunis said.

"We are a city on the world stage. The NHL is a significant player. If we were not able to assist them to have the game occur on time for our citizens, for the national audience, I am certain we would have had a black eye in terms of the police service, the City of Winnipeg," Clunis told reporters after the meeting. "I thought it was the right decision for our city, for our citizens and it was at absolutely no cost to the city whatsoever."

According to the WPS website, police charge $825 plus tax per escort using one vehicle and two officers.

Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) expressed concerns about the decision, given high demand for police resources. Eadie said he looks forward to reviewing the WPS policy on escorts.

continued