From today's media release: On May 30, 2023, I submitted my retirement notice to the Brandon Police Board.  My last day in office as Chief of Police will be June 23rd, 2023. The decision to retire did not come easy for me as I enjoy every day that I serve our community.  I have been a resident of Brandon for 51 years and have been a police officer in our great city for almost 33 years, the last six as Chief of Police.  It has been an immense honor and a privilege to serve my city and my great fortune to lead the police service in the capacity of Chief. I retire knowing that Brandon is in great hands with an outstanding police service continuing to be committed to community safety with employees who hold strong our values of professionalism, respect and integrity. I would like to thank the Brandon Police Board for the opportunity to lead the Brandon Police Service and to recognize the tremendous support that I have received from the Board, City Council, my Executive Team, and all employees at the Brandon Police Service / City Of Brandon.  Most importantly, thank you to my wife Sharlene our children and all our family for the tremendous support throughout my career.  I have been blessed. To the citizens of Brandon, thank you!  You will never know nor understand just how much your encouragement and support for the women and men of the Brandon Police Service means to us. Stay well and stay safe! Wayne Balcaen Chief of Police Brandon Police Service

On May 30, 2023, at 9:30 pm, police responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence after witnesses reported seeing a male assault a female.  Investigation into the incident led police to arrest a 21-year-old male and lodge him at Brandon Police Service to appear in court today on charges of Assault, Assault by Choking, Uttering Threats and Fail to Comply with Release Order X4.  The adult female victim suffered minor injuries, and was treated at the hospital.

On May 29, 2023, police received a report of a Fraud Attempt.  The complainant advises they received two phone calls from a number, which appeared to be the Brandon Police Service non-emergency line (204-729-2345).  When the complainant answered, there was no response on the line.  The complainant then received a phone call from a number, which appeared to be their spouse’s phone number.  During this phone call, a person claiming to be a police officer told them that their spouse was in police custody and required bail money.  The caller directed the complainant to withdraw $5000 after calling them a cab to take them to their bank.  The complaint was directed to take the cab to another location and deposit the money into a Bitcoin ATM.  The complainant did not do this, and instead brought the money to Brandon Police Service, where they learned the phone calls were a part of an elaborate scam. If you receive phone calls like this: HANG UP and call the number to your local police. BE AWARE, fraudsters have the ability to spoof any phone number. Brandon Police Service does not accept any money for persons requiring bail. You will never be asked to deposit money into an ATM for someone requiring bail. While this is similar to the Grandparent Scam, victims of any age can be targeted. For more information on Frauds, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm  

The City of Brandon in partnership with the Manitoba Urban Forest Council is inviting all members of the public to join us in celebrating Arbor Day on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is to take place at the Keystone Centre around the treed area, south of the main 13th Street entrance. Attendees will learn more about arboriculture, trees, and Brandon’s urban forest. The following will take place: Free tree seedlings, while supplies last Free wood chips, while supplies last Draws for two trees Educational booths and arboriculture equipment displays Children's activities, including face painting Tree planting demonstrations Tree climbing demonstrations Self-directed and guided tree tours Free draws will take place at 3 p.m. If the winner(s) are not present, they will be contacted to pick up their prize the following week from the City of Brandon Parks Complex, located at 2020 McGregor Avenue. In addition to these activities, local musicians from Mecca Productions will be performing from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. Food trucks will also be at the event offering food and beverages for purchase. This family-friendly event is open to all residents and will take place rain or shine. “As we prepare to host Brandon’s second in-person Arbor Day, we are excited for the opportunity to showcase the importance of planting and caring for trees,” says Stephen Clark, City of Brandon Forestry and Horticulture Chargehand and local representative from the Manitoba Urban Forest Council. “Arbor Day highlights the benefits of the urban forest canopy in our city and promotes arboriculture best practices.” About Manitoba Urban Forest Council The Manitoba Urban Forest Council is comprised of representatives from various sectors of the urban forest industry including municipalities, the provincial government, the International Society of Arboriculture, educational institutions, and the arboriculture industry. The Manitoba Urban Forest Council aims to protect, maintain and enhance urban forests by promoting arboriculture best practices, safe work, professional development, information-sharing, and networking in Manitoba.

On May 28, 2023, shortly after 9:00 am, police responded to a report of a customer who was behaving in a threatening manner towards employees at a retail business in the 800 block of 18th street N.  The male threatened to shoot up the store.  He left the business but came back while police were there. When police attempted to arrest him he resisted and was about to leave.  Police deployed a conducted energy weapon to prevent him from resisting further and escaping.  The male was not in possession of any weapons upon his arrest. The 60-year-old male was later released to appear in court on July 27, 2023 on charges of Uttering Threats, Resist Arrest, and Cause Disturbance.