News
Manitoba Government and city of Brandon work on crime prevention

July 15, 2024, Brandon, Man. – The Manitoba government has announced an investment of $270,000 through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund in the Brandon Police Service (BPS) for various initiatives to help keep the community safe.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced that this money will assist the Brandon Police Service in purchasing required equipment, providing training and organizing community events, including:

• Handheld drug testing devices which can instantly identify controlled substances;
• Mental health supports for police officers and their families;
• Funding to the organized crime unit to expand successful programs targeting organized crime; and
• Additional emergency medical equipment such as backboards, first aid kits and ballistic blankets.

The funding will be provided through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund. This program uses the proceeds of the sale of seized criminal property to protect Manitoba families and enhance public safety.

“Serving our community comes in many forms. The Brandon Police Service is committed to protecting the citizens of Brandon by fighting crime and combatting drug trafficking in our community,” said Chief Randy Lewis, Brandon Police Service. “Our officers require the tools to do this difficult work. We are also focused on continuing to build on the already strong relationship that we have with our Indigenous community in Brandon and surrounding area and we are excited to do so. Taking care of those that take care of our community is of the utmost importance and we are dedicated to developing and supporting the sworn and civilian staff at the Brandon Police Service with training and promoting mental health. Funding from the Manitoba government Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund will aid the Brandon Police Service in moving these important initiatives forward and we thank them for their ongoing support.”

The minister noted an immediate action plan will be developed to address downtown safety concerns in Brandon in partnership with business, law enforcement and community partners.