The Manitoba government has announced a funding increase for the Brandon Police Service.
In a media release July 17th, Brandon East MLA Len Isleifson, said “The work that the Brandon Police Service does is invaluable to our community. Everyone in our city deserves to feel safe, whether you live here or are visiting. Today’s announcement will enable further efforts by BPS to enhance safety on our streets.”
He said “Our PC government is committing an additional $2.2 million to the BPS, for a total of $8.9 million – marking a 33.3% increase to total BPS funding, up from $6.7 million. This includes the public safety basket, increased by $333,200 to $1,523,200, and the Urban Policing Grant (UPG), increased by $1,891,233 for a total of $7,384,382 in per-capita funding.”
Isleifson said “The substantial investment will help support officer positions and the work of law enforcement, as well as supporting growing municipal policing costs caused by rising rates of crime and inflationary pressures. The investment builds on other recent initiatives by our PC Team to support the police and make our streets safer. Earlier this year, our government provided more than $349,000 from the proceeds of Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the BPS and Brandon Bear Clan for crime prevention and safety initiatives in Brandon.
Our government also recently provided $8.9 million in project funding for BPS to construct a new, modern detention facility. Additional public safety initiatives have increased supports for front-line law enforcement officers through investments in technology, specialized training, enhanced police presence, and support for more officers; as well as increasing supports for the most vulnerable in our communities, through investments to tackle homelessness, addictions, and mental health.”
“I’m proud of the work that our PC Government has done in recognizing the need for safer streets,” said Isleifson. “The steps we have already taken over the last number of months, and will continue to take into the future, will ensure everyone’s safety. Today’s announcement means more officers on the streets and more targeted efforts for a safer community.”
