July 24, 2020
Manitoba Announces Support for Crime Prevention Programs Through Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund
BRANDON—The Manitoba government is investing nearly $160,000 in new funding through the Federal Proceeds of Crime (FPOC) Fund to support crime prevention programs, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.
“The Manitoba government is taking money made through illegal activity and re-investing it in community-based crime prevention programs that support public safety,” said Cullen. “I’m pleased to announce this support, which will help to ensure these programs have the tools they need to help keep Manitobans safe. Our government appreciates the efforts of the hard-working and dedicated volunteers who help strengthen our communities."
The Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) is receiving a $110,000 grant from the province. It is a community-based crime prevention initiative in which volunteers help deter crime by serving as additional eyes and ears for their communities and local law enforcement. The funds will be used to purchase safety items such as high visibility vests and other items to support the program.
“This funding will allow us to support communities who want to have this program in place, by supplying vital patrol equipment, training resources, and community crime prevention signage,” said Detlef Hindemith, chairperson, Manitoba Citizens on Patrol Program. “We currently have 55 groups with more than 500 members that help maintain and create safer neighbourhoods. The program is a proven crime prevention strategy, utilizing trained citizens to watch for suspicious criminal activities, documenting and reporting to law enforcement, and by being a visible presence in the community.”
The province is also providing an additional $48,000 to Crime Stoppers to support youth programming, advertising and incentives for tipsters. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information that leads to the solution of crimes, and is a combined effort of the police, media and the public. Funding will be divided between Winnipeg and Brandon at $25,000 and $11,000 respectively, with the remaining funding going to efforts in the rest of the province.
“As we are a non-profit, volunteer-based program, we greatly appreciate the relationship we have with the province and are thankful for the funding provided,” said Rick Thomson, chair, Brandon Crime Stoppers. “This funding allows us to be more visible in the community and to provide information to various school programs. We believe any tip is a good tip and keeping the community safe is our goal.”
In Manitoba, cash and proceeds from the sale of forfeited property are deposited into the Criminal Property Forfeiture (CPF) Fund, which is used to:
• compensate victims of the unlawful activity that led to the forfeiture of the property;
• provide funding to the Victims’ Assistance Fund;
• promote safer communities by investing in specialized equipment/training for law enforcement agencies; and
• promote safer communities by providing funding to law enforcement agencies for community initiatives.
The province also maintains the FPOC fund, which is generated from forfeited proceeds of crime through the prosecution of federal offences in Manitoba. The monies received from Canada are then re-allocated to activities related to crime prevention, including victim services, law enforcement and community initiatives such as drug prevention education.
Since 2011, more than $16 million has been distributed to law enforcement agencies and community initiatives through the CPF fund, which includes the FPOC and Victims’ Assistance funds.
For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/cpf/index.html .
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