A new 24-7 centralized dispatch service for Manitoba conservation officers is now operational, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses announced in a media release on Wednesday (Nov 29).
“Conservation officers often work in remote areas protecting our natural resources and building relationships with communities,” said Moses, “This new communication system will provide a vital lifeline of support and increase officer safety while they are out doing their important work.”
The 24-7 dispatch service is provided through the Brandon Public-Safety Communication Centre, which also provides emergency dispatch services for seven police agencies and 192 fire departments throughout the province, as well as to Manitoba-based enforcement officers of the Canadian Wildlife Service.
“The City of Brandon is excited to partner with the Manitoba government by providing valuable public-safety communications to conservation officers in the field,” said Robert Stewart, director of emergency communications, Brandon Public-Safety Communication Centre. “Officers having constant radio contact is a big step forward to keeping officers safe while they carry out their duties.”
The current contract is for a three-year period, with an option for a two-year extension, the minister noted.
“This exciting partnership with the City of Brandon has created a critical service for conservation officers that did not exist before,” said Moses. “We look forward to continued collaboration with municipalities across Manitoba.”
To report poachers and human-wildlife interactions, Manitobans can call the Conservation Officer Service’s Turn In Poachers (TIP) line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.
