A dozen people have been named to Winnipeg's new police advisory board, which will advise city council on police issues and matters of public safety.

Gerald D. Forrest, past vice-president for South Winnipeg Citizens for Crime Awareness, has been nominated to chair the board.

Other nominees include Rev. Larry Gregan with New Life Ministries, the Southern Chiefs' Organization's Nahanni Fontaine, retired aboriginal police officer Sam Anderson and business owner David Keam.

"We think we're putting forward a very credible and strong roster," said said Coun. Gord Steeves, who chairs the city's protection and community services committee.

"So good, in fact, that while we originally anticipated recommending about seven people, we've expanded it to 12 to allow us to achieve a greater diversity and a greater credibility while still maintaining the very, very high standard [of] person."

The board's other members are:

• Melanie Lautt.
• Bob Hilliday.
• Kristine McGhee.
• Charles N. Rubin.
• Sel Burrows.
• Robert Gabor.
• Aidan J. O'Brien.

City council votes on the nominees next Wednesday. Once approved, the board will meet every month, starting in January.

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz had initially proposed establishing a police commission, but officials decided in the spring to proceed instead with an advisory board.

Some community activists have criticized the move, calling for a commission with power to do more than advise — similar to some other major cities in Canada.

The advisory board's mandate will not include citizen complaints about police, ongoing criminal investigations and public inquiries, personnel management of budget development.