A joint unit between Winnipeg police and Manitoba RCMP has resulted in the arrest of 150 wanted criminals.
The Manitoba Integrated Warrant Apprehension Unit works to follow up on arrest warrants issued throughout the province and Winnipeg, and to date, has cleared more than 223 warrants from the system.
“The unit uses all of the investigative techniques at their disposal to bring offenders back before the courts,” said Winnipeg police Chief Keith McCaskill on Monday. “This is a unified response to a serious problem. Offenders need to know that turning themselves in is the best option when police services across Manitoba are communicating and working together to bring them to justice.”
The six-officer unit — split evenly between the WPS and RCMP — is funded by the province and operates three teams out of the Public Safety Building.
The unit was formed last summer and has focused on those criminals who have committed offences against other people, such as those responsible for a violent crime, but haven’t yet been arrested. Also targeted are those who have failed to attend subsequent court appearances, or on bail with court-imposed conditions and breached those conditions.
“Their work gives families peace of mind, helps keep our communities safer and puts criminals behind bars where they belong,” said Justice Minister Andrew Swan.
