Pubdate: Thu, 25 Nov 2004 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2004 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: Mia Rabson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?216 (CN Police) GANG TASK FORCE GETS $1M BOOST Much Of New Funding From Crime Proceeds MANITOBA police happily accepted a $1-million provincial investment in their organized gang operations yesterday, much of it coming from the pockets of criminals they've already put away. Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh announced the investment in the Organized Crime Task Force yesterday. The task force is a partnership of Winnipeg police and Manitoba RCMP, with assistance from Brandon Police when necessary, that works to combat the growing presence of gangs like the Hells Angels in the province. Winnipeg police Supt. Gordon Schumacher said he thinks the police are finally winning the war, largely due to the task force. "One thing I can tell you for sure is we now have processes in place to ensure the organized criminals in Manitoba are looking over both shoulders," he said. "That's a good thing. They need to do that because we're coming very close to them, and this money is helping us do that." More than half the investment -- $600,000 -- comes from the Proceeds of Crime Trust Fund. The fund was created in 1996, when Ottawa agreed to give the province a portion of money recovered from seized or forfeited property and assets associated with criminal activities. The agreement requires the money be used for victim services or law enforcement. "I think it's important these funds be turned around and directed against their source," Mackintosh said. Another $400,000 of provincial money will go to a task force reserve fund to help pay for various operations. Manitoba RCMP Chief Supt. Bill Robinson said the money allows the task force more flexibility to operate. The unit was created in 2003, and its most high-profile case was the recent raid and shutdown of a North American crystal methamphetamine ring in which Winnipeg police played a central role. Schumacher said having a reserve fund to draw on will help the task force fulfil its mandate. "There are some unique situations that arise and we need resources to draw upon, outside the normal resources available." Tory justice critic Gerald Hawranik sloughed off the announcement. "As far as I'm concerned, it's just the crumbs on the table," Hawranik said. He said the proceeds of crime trust should give police a constant stream of cash. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek