Province tabs criminal forfeiture funds for Brandon police, Bear Clan

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/05/2023 (1213 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon’s Bear Clan chapter will soon buy a minibus — thanks to criminals.

Premier Heather Stefanson announced Thursday the volunteer community patrol in the Wheat City is getting $80,000 from the province’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund.

Stefanson said another $269,000 from the fund would go to the Brandon Police Service.

“The Brandon Police Service and the Bear Clan patrols have a strong reputation for being able to offer on-the-ground support, promote safety and deter crime,” the Manitoba premier said in a statement.

“Our government is pleased to provide the funding in Brandon for these important initiatives, which will help create safer streets for a stronger community.”

Since being created in 2009, the forfeiture fund has handed out more than $26 million to communities across the province. The fund is generated by the seizing and liquidating of criminal assets.

Tammy Hossack, treasurer of the Brandon Bear Clan Women’s Council, said the funding will allow the organization to buy a minibus.

“A larger transport vehicle will allow to expand patrols to areas of Brandon we are invited to and will provide a place to respectfully help community members out of the elements,” Hossack said.

“We cannot express enough appreciation to the Manitoba government for this substantial grant.”

BPS Chief Wayne Balcaen said it will use $64,000 of the money to buy new forensic equipment and $22,000 for remote-piloted aircraft technology. The rest will go toward programs, priorities and equipment.

“The funding allows our police service to purchase equipment and train our employees, outside of our regularly budgeted items, ensuring the BPS can continue to offer exceptional policing services to our citizens and those visiting Brandon,” Balcaen said.