BRANDON—The Manitoba government is investing close to $500,000 to support law enforcement and intervention initiatives in Brandon, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced here today.
“These investments underscore our government’s commitment to keeping Manitoba families safe in their homes and communities,” said Cullen. “It will give law enforcement the tools they need to respond to threats in the community safely, but also help prevent criminal activity through interventions with at-risk individuals.”
Almost $400,000 will be provided to the Brandon Police Service to purchase an armoured rescue vehicle (ARV), to ensure safe tactical responses to critical incidents in Southwestern Manitoba. The minister noted the vehicle will ensure officer and public safety during firearms related incidents and the vehicle will be accessible to other police agencies in the Westman region.
“It has been a real privilege to work collaboratively with the province on this project,” said Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon. “The new rescue vehicle will greatly enhance safety for citizens and officers throughout our region.”
The ARV is equipped with ballistic armour and has the capacity to carry up to 10 fully equipped members for deployment or training.
“The support of the Manitoba government for an armored rescue vehicle is another important step to ensure protection of citizens and officers alike,” said Chief Wayne Balcaen, Brandon Police Service. “The ARV will be available not only for the Brandon Police Service and our city, but all our policing partners and communities all across the Western area, helping increase safety for everyone in our region.”
The minister also announced $80,000 for Community Mobilization Westman, which brings social service professionals together twice a week to sit at a ‘HUB table’ where individuals or families at risk are connected to supports and services proactively. Participating agencies include the RCMP, Brandon School Division, Manitoba Child and Family Services, and Prairie Mountain Health. Through this collaboration, services are often delivered on the same day. Funding will support one full-time co-ordinator dedicated to the project, as well as additional operating costs.
The community mobilization investment is being made through Manitoba’s Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy, made possible by more than $2.3 million in funding over two years from the Government of Canada through its Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund. Funding for the ARV comes from the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund, which is comprised of funds seized from federally prosecuted Criminal Code offences.
For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/safe/cpf/index.html.
(Source: Province of Manitoba News Release)
