New Winnipeg police robot, officer training for protests among programs receiving provincial dollars
The Winnipeg police are set to receive more than $611,000 through criminal forfeiture program—with a large chunk of the money going toward a new police robot that looks like a dog.
Manitoba Justice Minister Cameron Friesen, along with Winnipeg police Chief Danny Smyth, announced the new funding on Wednesday.
The money is coming from Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, which takes criminal assets, liquidates them, and redirects the funds into projects and initiatives that protect Manitobans and enhance public safety.
A large chunk of this money—more than $257,000—will be going toward what the province described as 'a public-safety robot platform.'
"This robot will be used to reduce and ideally eliminate human jeopardy in high-risk, dangerous and complicated environments," Friesen said.
Smyth said police services have been using robots since the 1970s, but these robots were limited in mobility.
He said the police service will use the provincial funding for a new robot.
"What is unique about this—it kind of looks like a dog for starters, and it has mobility so that it can advance on an uneven terrain, it can go up stairs, it can carry things on a harness, it has photography," Smyth said.
"It really is just the next generation—an upgrade if you will, that provides our people with a great deal more mobility and being able to go into spaces that would be dangerous to either a live canine or to one of our officers."
Friesen said about $36,000 will be used for a certified training program developed by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police on police response to mass demonstrations and assemblies.
Smyth said police officers are being trained to liaison with groups that are planning protests.
"It would be a lot of communication work, a lot of liaison—how to identify and meet with organizers and really just set the tone so everyone can do their thing peacefully," Smyth said.
The other programs receiving funding include:
- $80,250 for the 911 public education campaign;
- $31,823 for a cloud-based digital evidence management system;
- $5,496 for training financial crime investigators;
- $69,132 for equipment for first responders;
- $11,688 electronic equipment for the Internet Child Exploitation Unit;
- $11,207 for equipment for the Technical Surveillance Unit;
- $55,000 for Canadian Police College training;
- $13,607 for equipment for the Virtual Police Response Unit;
- $5,845 for video equipment; and
- $33,595 for the SNAP KIDTHINK program to assist youth in the community.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.