The Manitoba government is spending more than $500,000 from the province’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund in specialized equipment and training for the Winnipeg police.
The support will include $20,000 for a new educational video and expand public outreach to help people avoid or leave gang involvement.
“The newly created gang education and exit video will fill a current gap that exists in providing online and eventually in-person support for those in need,” said Insp. Max Waddell, organized crime division with the WPS.
Winnipeg police developed the video in partnership with the Gang Action Interagency Network (GAIN). The nearly 30-minute video will inform young people and service providers about gangs and provide strategies on how to avoid or exit gang involvement. Funding will support GAIN representatives to travel to northern and rural communities to deliver information.
More than $496,000 in funding will be spent on…
• new computer workstations for the technological crimes unit, which will improve its ability to process digital evidence and more effectively investigate crime ($205,200);
• a drone to provide aerial support for search and rescue operations and tactical support, using infrared and other technology ($155,400);
• an image capture unit that will be used at the scene of serious motor vehicle collisions to help experts reconstruct what happened ($46,100);
• a robotic arm that officers can use to quickly and safely inspect a potentially dangerous situation, supporting improved officer safety ($36,200);
• public outreach efforts including video equipment and translating existing children’s activity books ($27,600);
• specialized tactical training for undercover officers ($19,500); and
• specialized training for officers focused on the technology, law and best practices related to wiretaps ($5,800).
