Manitoba bail-monitoring unit up and running

A team of Winnipeg police officers is now monitoring suspects on bail, the province said Tuesday.

The Winnipeg Police Service’s bail compliance unit focuses on locating and apprehending people who breach bail conditions, especially repeat and violent offenders.

The 12-officer unit began operation in December. It works in collaboration with law enforcement partners.

The unit was originally expected to launch in the fall of 2024, former police chief Danny Smyth said in March of that year.

“The unit went operational on Dec. 15, 2025, and in just over two months, has conducted 922 bail compliance and wanted person checks, resulting in 336 offenders being arrested or submitted for warrant because they could not be immediately located,” WPS deputy chief Cam Mackid said in a news release.

The Manitoba government announced $3 million to pay for the officers in 2024.