The RCMP K9 unit will sport some new protective threads thanks to a new grant from the provincial government.
Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson announced $1.85 million in new funding Wednesday. The money comes from the criminal property forfeiture program, which confiscates property or proceeds from crime.
“The criminal property forfeiture program is a unique opportunity to take money from unlawful activity and put it to good use,” said Stefanson.
“The grant provides stronger supports for victims of crime, while also investing in new investigative tools, community safety initiatives and improved officer safety throughout Manitoba.”
The funds will go to victim services programs and new resources for police across the province.
That includes $91,000 for six new ballistic vests and two new wireless camera systems to outfit the RCMP K9 unit.
The cameras allow the unit’s animal handlers to see what the dog sees in real-time, and let the handlers give commands to the dog or to the suspect through a built-in speaker system.
“The money and equipment announced today will directly enhance the safety of our officers, help us target child predators and improve community projects led by our detachments,” said RCMP D Division Commanding Officer Scott Kolody.
The Winnipeg Police Service will also get more than $534,000 for specialized equipment including a portable x-ray scanner and ion scanner, 10 new bikes for the downtown police patrol, and equipment needed to add four members to the tactical medical support team.
Another $450,000 in grants will go to victim services programs, including support for victims of domestic violence.
