Policing in Winkler is facing a crossroads and major changes ahead.

Along with on-going succession planning in leadership, the service is implementing a platoon system.

Members will be organized into platoons of four, three members reporting to a patrol sergeant.

In the past, all members reported to a single sergeant.

"It will allow for more direct supervision and in-the-field decision making which is vitally important in today's policing world," Winkler Police Board Chair Henry Siemens says.

Winkler Police Service will see the return of a K-9 Unit spring 2019

The change comes on the heels of a top-to-bottom review of the Winkler Police Service conducted by former Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis.

"We want to modernize the service, making sure what we're doing out there makes sense for the community," Siemens explains.

Along with these changes, the Winkler Police Board expects to hire a new leader of the police service in the coming months.

"We have an opportunity to affect policing for a generation with some of the decisions being made now," Siemens explain. "It's a really exciting time for our members... for our community."

A new platoon system will allow for more direct supervision and in-the-field decision making

He explains it's the reason they've retained the services of industry veterans like Clunis, "we want to make sure... we get these decisions right."

Siemens says they're looking internally to promote as well, growing the skills of their members. In Winkler, officers have an average of 14 years experience.

"We want to make sure to support our team," he says. "We have a really good group of police officers, they care deeply, they care passionately about this community."

After lying vacant for seven months, the Provincially appointed police board member has been named.

Kevin Kehler, co-owner and general manager of Green Valley Equipment, will be joining, bringing the board to its full complement.

Longtime Winkler Police Chief Rick Hiebert is retiring after more than 34 years. His last day will be next March