August 17, 2016
Manitoba's Criminal Property Forfeiture Grant Helps Protect RCMP K9 Unit
– – –Victims Services, Police Agencies across Manitoba to Benefit from $1.85 million in Grant Funding: Stefanson
The Manitoba government is investing more than $1.85 million in victim services programs and new resources for police agencies across the province, including more than $91,000 to better protect the RCMP’s K9 unit with ballistic vests and camera systems, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.
“The criminal property forfeiture program is a unique opportunity to take money from unlawful activity and put it to good use,” said Stefanson. “The grant provides stronger supports for victims of crime, while also investing in new investigative tools, community safety initiatives and improved officer safety throughout Manitoba. We also want to recognize the important work of the RCMP K9 unit and we are proud to help support new equipment to keep these highly trained dogs safe in dangerous situations.”
The K9 unit will use the grant to purchase six ballistic vests for the animals to better protect them in higher-risk situations. The unit will also receive two new wireless camera units that allow K9 handlers to see what the dog sees in real-time, allowing them to provide commands to the dog or to suspects using a built-in speaker system.
“Through the criminal property forfeiture program, we have the ability to strip criminals of the proceeds they have gained through illegal activity and enhance policing services across Manitoba,” said Scott Kolody, commanding officer, RCMP D Division. “The money and equipment announced today will directly enhance the safety of our officers, help us target child predators and improve community projects led by our detachments.”
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) will receive more than $534,000 to purchase specialized equipment to support its investigations including a portable X-ray scanner and ion scanner, 10 new bikes for the downtown police patrol and equipment needed to add four members to its tactical medical support team. Funding will also be used to support the work of a criminologist and offer a new mental health and wellness program for officers.
“Forfeiture allows the government to curb criminal behaviour by removing the incentives,” said Supt. Jeff Szyszkowski, acting deputy chief, investigations, WPS. “It is then reinvested to assist law enforcement with specialized training, equipment and crime prevention initiatives to help improve safety and health in our communities. On behalf of the Winnipeg Police Service and our other public safety partners, I would like to thank the province for this important support.”
Another $450,000 will be dedicated to victim services programs throughout Manitoba. This includes $65,000 to help offset travel and parking costs for family members who come to court for matters involving a fatality and $30,000 to the Salvation Army’s Peace of Mind program, which offers support to women who have experienced domestic violence.
“Our program is a safe, caring environment that offers women support and the knowledge that they are not alone in dealing with abuse in their relationship,” said Dianna Bussey, director, correctional and justice services, The Salvation Army. “Women can talk about the effects of abuse on themselves and their children, safety planning, self-esteem and healthy relationships. This investment recognizes that the work we do is important, and will go a long way in ensuring we can continue to help women and children in need.”
Stefanson noted more than $1.85 million will be distributed to law enforcement agencies and in support of victim services in Manitoba this year through the criminal property forfeiture program.
For more information about criminal property forfeitures, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/safe/cpf/index.html.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2016/08/BACKGROUNDER_RLS-RCMP_CPF_Grant-JS.doc