Manitoba uses $1 million seized from criminals for new RCMP safety initiatives

Manitoba’s provincial government is using about $1 million seized through criminal property forfeitures to fund new safety and victim support initiatives within the RCMP, including more computer messaging signs to alert drivers to hazards.

The province will also fund five new RCMP officers. “Our RCMP play an important part in keeping families and communities safe, and today we’re ensuring they have more of the tools and resources they need,” Premier Greg Selinger noted in a statement.  

“More officers and specialized technologies in the hands of law enforcement officials are another step forward in keeping all families safe.”

The $1 million seized will be distributed across the province, including to the RCMP “D” Division in Winnipeg, which has received $161,840 in grants for several programs.

Those include:

• Six InstAlert programmable computer messaging signs used to alert drivers to driving hazards.
• 50 kits for all traffic service officers who investigate and respond to emergencies, which could include equipment like cameras, electronic flares and an extra reflective vest.
• Night vision equipment to support officer safety; and
• 16 ballistic helmets and a portable bunker to help protect members directly involved in high-risk incidents.

“The RCMP welcomes these additional resources and tools that will enhance our capacity to prevent and reduce crime,” Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, commanding officer of RCMP “D”Division commented.

Other RCMP detachments across the province will receive about $277,000 in grants, the government’s statement said.

Funds will also go to victim services and support throughout the province.

Since Manitoba’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Act was put in place in 2010, over $5 million in assets have been successfully forfeited, according to the province.