The Manitoba government is investing close to $160,000 through the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund to support crime prevention programs across the provide.
Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says the province is taking money made through illegal activity and re-investing it in community-based crime prevention programs, “I’m pleased to announce this support, which will help to ensure these programs have the tools they need to help keep Manitobans safe. Our government appreciates the efforts of the hard-working and dedicated volunteers who help strengthen our communities.”
The Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) is receiving a $110,000 grant from the province. It is a community-based crime prevention initiative in which volunteers help deter crime by serving as additional eyes and ears for their communities and local law enforcement. The funds will be used to purchase safety items such as high visibility vests and other items to support the program.
Manitoba currently has 55 COPP groups, including one group here in Brandon, with members helping maintain and create safer neighbourhoods.
The province is also providing an additional $48,000 to Crime Stoppers to support youth programming, advertising and incentives for tipsters. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information that leads to the solution of crimes, and is a combined effort of the police, media and the public. Funding will be divided between Winnipeg and Brandon at $25,000 and $11,000 respectively, with the remaining funding going to efforts in the rest of the province.
In Manitoba, cash and proceeds from the sale of forfeited property are deposited into the Criminal Property Forfeiture (CPF) Fund, which is used to:
– compensate victims of the unlawful activity that led to the forfeiture of the property;
– provide funding to the Victims’ Assistance Fund;
– promote safer communities by investing in specialized equipment/training for law enforcement agencies; and
– promote safer communities by providing funding to law enforcement agencies for community initiatives.
