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Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police

The objective of the Association is to encourage and develop the cooperation of its members as a management association for the purpose of leading the development of policing in Manitoba and representing police leadership to the people, Minister of Justice, and the Government of Manitoba.

April 2023 – Police Perspective in the Review of the Cannabis Act

November 2022 – Communication Access to Justice

April 2022 – Manitoba’s Approach to Clare’s Law

March 2022 – Manitoba Justice: Police Act Review

February 2022 – Policing Through a Pandemic

January 2022 – Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement

Abraham Global Peace Initiative

By Chief Danny Smyth, President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

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Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Memorial Fund

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New Strategy is Tough on Crime and the Causes of Crime: Wiebe

The Manitoba government has unveiled the new Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy, creating a roadmap for a safer Manitoba across all regions, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.

“Manitobans know that to see real change we must address crime and the causes of crime,” said Wiebe. “That’s what this strategy is all about. Right now, we have the chance to turn things around for the better. This strategy is just the beginning, to provide a new path forward for everyone in Manitoba to feel safe.”

The strategy addresses violent crime and retail theft, and the roots and causes of crime, the minister noted. The strategy also recognizes the need to invest in communities through community-led justice, reconciliation and ending violence against women and girls.

The minister noted the plan outlines a number of initiatives aimed at keeping Manitobans safe including:

  • making the Retail Crime Initiative permanent by funding 12 new Winnipeg Police Service officers committed to community policing;
  • investing in safer communities through a two per cent increase in funding for municipal law enforcement, providing stable and consistent funding for more boots on the ground;
  • establishing a new Centre for Justice in Dauphin that includes culturally appropriate supports, educational resources and vocational training;
  • strengthening Manitoba’s impaired driving legislation with input from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD);
  • expanding the electronic monitoring program outside of Winnipeg and enhancing protection order enforcement in rural areas;
  • increasing funding and training opportunities for First Nations police officers and First Nation safety officer programs;
  • hiring 100 new mental health workers to work alongside first responders to strengthen mental health supports for both adults and youth, starting with 25 workers by the end of March; and
  • holding a youth summit to bring young leaders together to hear their voices, empower them and discuss solutions.

“We believe in creating pathways to success rather than pipelines to prison by empowering and supporting our youth and preventing people leaving prison from reoffending,” said Wiebe. “The justice system shouldn’t be the end of the road for Manitobans. It should be the beginning of accountability and real change. We’re committed to ensuring our justice system provides support for those Manitobans who are ready to turn their lives around, find meaningful work and give back to their communities.”

The Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy was crafted after extensive consultations with stakeholders including a public safety summit which had representatives from 210 community groups, social service agencies, health-care professionals, law enforcement agencies, Indigenous organizations, legal professionals, business leaders and government officials. The Manitoba government also held regional consultation sessions and engaged with nine First Nations governments and organizations including the Manitoba Métis Federation, Inuit organizations and other community partners.

“On behalf of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the 26 First Nations we represent, I commend the Province of Manitoba for the ongoing dialogue with our organization regarding the Public Safety Strategy,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. “This report marks the beginning of what we hope will result in safer communities for our citizens in the north and for all Manitobans. While this is a positive first step, we must not lose sight that there is still much work to be done. This Public Safety Strategy represents true ReconciliACTION and is a framework that will continue to evolve. We can work together to create positive change. Ekosani.”

“All Manitobans deserve to feel safe in their communities,” said Kathy Valentino, interim president, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “The Association of Manitoba Municipalities therefore welcomes the Manitoba governments efforts in establishing a Public Safety Strategy as a critical step toward creating safer communities for all Manitobans, no matter where they live. We also thank the government for conducting provincewide consultations with our members to help inform the development of this strategy as well as committing to annual escalatory funding to support municipal law enforcement. As we move toward implementation, ongoing collaboration between the Manitoba government and municipalities will be key to ensuring safer, more secure communities across our province.”

“The Manitoba Public Safety Strategy is an important roadmap to improve the safety of communities in Manitoba,” said Deputy Chief Scot Halley, Winnipeg Police Service, and president, Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police. “While fundamental change cannot occur overnight, this strategy should be viewed as an important first in a multistep process that will require collaboration and partnerships to effect the positive changes envisioned.”

The Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy can be viewed at: https://gov.mb.ca/justice/pubs/publicsafety_strategy.pdf.

Media Release

Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund Supporting Tools to Enhance Officer Safety, Mental Health and Wellness: Wiebe

The Manitoba government is supporting a wide variety of initiatives aimed at keeping Winnipeggers safe and enhancing officer safety by providing the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) with $647,000 from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.

“As Winnipeggers, we all deserve to feel safe in our community,” said Wiebe. “The Winnipeg Police Service plays a vital role protecting our community. The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has been an invaluable tool to support local efforts to fight crime. Our government is pleased to provide this funding to support a wide variety of important initiatives, including enhancing officer and victim safety, and providing mental health and trauma-informed training.”

Approximately $415,000 will support the purchase of new equipment to enhance officer safety, which includes a protective rescue van to help protect officers and the public, noted the minister.

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of providing law enforcement additional tools to help ensure every officer can safely go home to their families every night,” said Wiebe. “This van will also help protect victims and bystanders in dangerous, high-risk situations.”

“The WPS is appreciative of provincial support through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, as it puts necessary equipment into the hands of our front-line officers,” said Supt. Brian Miln, WPS. “Specially trained police intervention teams, who face daily the unfortunate but very real year-over-year increases of firearm violence, now have another much-needed layer of safety and protection with this vehicle.”

The WPS is also receiving $100,000 in funding to facilitate mental health and trauma-informed training for its members. Approximately $30,000 will support WPS engagement with Indigenous leadership and community on forming an Indigenous advisory council, which will provide guidance to WPS leadership and members to ensure culturally appropriate, trauma-informed practices, noted Wiebe. The remaining funds will be invested in other WPS programs, priorities and equipment.

The funding will be provided through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, a program that uses the proceeds of the sale of seized criminal property to protect Manitoba families and enhance public safety. The funds are provided to organizations across Manitoba whose important initiatives build community, prevent crime, invest in youth and support victims of crime, added the minister.

For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/cpf/index.html.

Media Release

The Manitoba government is continuing to support the efforts of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) in combating retail theft throughout the holiday season, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.

“We’re grateful to the Winnipeg Police Service and their members who have made such a positive impact throughout the summer and fall for businesses and community members,” said Wiebe. “Over the summer, people in the Exchange District, Osborne Village, the West End and other parts of the city have said they feel safer. We look forward to maintaining that momentum throughout the holiday season.”

In addition to building on the success of the retail theft and violent crime overtime initiative, 12 new provincially funded Winnipeg police officers begin patrols next month to provide a visible presence and engage with the community in specified areas. The minister noted the use of overtime for focused enforcement and crime prevention will continue.

“Over the last number of months, WPS members have renewed their connection with the community through engagements and interactions that help foster trust and confidence,” said acting chief Arthur Stannard, Winnipeg Police Service. “The Winnipeg Police Service appreciates the support of the Manitoba government and the funding that has helped make this possible. I would also extend further thanks to the citizens, business owners, and our police officers for their efforts and commitments to enhance the safety of our communities.”

The enhanced police response to retail crime and violence is another important component of efforts to ensure safety in core areas of Winnipeg, the minister noted. Related initiatives include nearly $1.5 million from the Manitoba government, mayor’s office and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ for the Downtown Community Safety Partnership and development of a voluntary safe sobering centre at N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place at 190 Disraeli Fwy.

“The impact of the retail theft initiative has been phenomenal, as provincial funding has allowed Winnipeg Police Service to more effectively respond to the safety and security issues retail stores have been facing for too long,” said John Graham, director of government relations (prairie region), Retail Council of Canada. “We are grateful that this support will continue and help support retailers as they head into the very busy and important holiday shopping season.”

Over the summer and fall, the Manitoba government has provided $1.9 million to support an increased police presence in areas identified by the WPS.

Media Release

On behalf of RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, we are advising all senior police leaders and police services of a statement issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police today. They indicated that an extraordinary situation compelled them to speak out about what they discovered in their ongoing investigations into the involvement of agents of the Government of India in Canada. While it is not their normal process to publicly disclose information about ongoing investigations, in an effort to preserve their integrity, they felt it was necessary to do so at this time due to the significant threat to public safety in our country. Please click here to access the complete statement.

Proposed Legislation Aims to Improve Public Safety by Regulating Retail Sale of Machetes, Knives, Swords: Wiebe

The Manitoba government is introducing legislation that would regulate the retail sale of long-bladed weapons, including machetes, knives and swords, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.

“Our government is committed to getting tough on crime and this new legislation would help keep our communities safer by restricting access to weapons such as machetes, knives and swords,” said Wiebe. “We’ve heard loud and clear: the purchase of these weapons needs to be restricted. We’re pleased to be moving forward to take real action to make our streets safer.”

Bill 39, the long-bladed weapon control act, aims to limit the supply of long-bladed weapons to individuals with dangerous intentions by:

  • requiring retailers to securely store long-bladed weapons in a way that prevents the public from accessing them without assistance;
  • prohibiting the retail sale of long-bladed weapons to minors under 18;
  • requiring purchasers to provide photo identification; and
  • requiring retailers to retain records, including purchaser information and transaction details, for a minimum of two years.

“Manitoba has seen significant success in deterring crime through regulating the retail sale of products targeted for criminal purposes,” said Wiebe. “Access controls, age restrictions and identification and record-keeping requirements have proven effective at combatting crime. Our government is expanding this approach to address long-bladed weapon violence in the province.”

The bill defines long-bladed weapons as having a metal blade at least 30 centimetres in length. The minister noted the definition could be expanded through regulation to include certain features or characteristics, in response to emerging community safety needs.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our AMC member nations is paramount. I want to recognize and applaud the efforts of the minister of justice to address the concerns put forth by First Nations leadership with this long blade weapons control act,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC). “The AMC looks forward to continue being a part of this conversation and to work with Manitoba to draft a regulatory framework that prioritizes the protection of First Nation citizens in Manitoba.”

The legislation would also apply to online retailers shipping long-bladed weapons to Manitoba addresses, added Wiebe.

“The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police strongly supports provincial legislation that restricts the purchase of long-bladed machetes or knives by those who are acquiring with the intent to use for an unlawful or violent purpose,” said Scot Halley, president, Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police. “Edged weapon and machete attacks have dramatically increased in the last number of years, the consequences of which can cause significant life-altering injuries or sometimes be fatal. This legislation is another tool to assist law enforcement in keeping these weapons out of the hands of the gang and criminal elements.”

If passed through the legislature, the bill would take effect on proclamation and be accompanied by regulations that would include additional long-bladed weapon features and characteristics, as well as exemptions where necessary, noted Wiebe. The minister added the province plans to consult retail businesses, law enforcement and Indigenous leadership to develop the regulations in the coming months.

Media Release

The Manitoba government introduced two bills aimed at cracking down on crime and keeping communities safe, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.

“Our government is cracking down on drug traffickers and organized criminals by making it easier for police to proactively investigate their assets, seize the proceeds of crime and strike a financial blow to their organizations,” said Wiebe. “We’re giving police more tools to go after people who get rich off the drug crisis and making it easier to launch investigations into criminal organizations. The action we’re taking today is a direct response to our commitment to Manitobans to get tough on crime and the causes of crime.”

The new unexplained wealth act would allow law enforcement to crack down on drug traffickers and other organized crime groups who profit from crime by requiring corporations to disclose their beneficial owners to law enforcement and other tax and regulatory bodies including Manitoba’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Branch. The amendments would also allow the director of criminal property forfeiture to use unexplained wealth orders to require the disclosure of information from not just the owner of the property but also any responsible officer, such as business partners and corporation directors.

“The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) continues to support the ongoing efforts to deal with organized crime and unlawful wealth in Manitoba,” said Deputy Chief Scot Halley, Winnipeg Police Service, and president, MACP. “Unexplained wealth orders will provide a much-needed tool to deter the accumulation of wealth from organized crime and other criminal activity.”

The body armour and fortified vehicle control amendment act would make it easier for law enforcement to seize vehicles with aftermarket changes that are being used by organized crime to move money, drugs and firearms across the province and country. The legislation would prohibit the use of aftermarket hidden compartments in vehicles. These compartments have no legitimate function. They are typically added to vehicles for the purpose of concealing controlled substances, weapons and cash proceeds of crime during transport, noted the minister, and therefore facilitate drug and firearms trafficking and money laundering.

Media Release

By Harry CallaghanApr 5, 2024 | 10:28 AM
The Manitoba government has introduced two bills it says are aimed at cracking down on crime.Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today, “Our government is cracking down on drug traffickers and organized criminals by making it easier for police to proactively investigate their assets, seize the proceeds of crime and strike a financial blow to their organizations. We’re giving police more tools to go after people who get rich off the drug crisis and making it easier to launch investigations into criminal organizations. The action we’re taking today is a direct response to our commitment to Manitobans to get tough on crime and the causes of crime.”

The new unexplained wealth act would allow law enforcement to crack down on drug traffickers and other organized crime groups who profit from crime by requiring corporations to disclose their beneficial owners to law enforcement and other tax and regulatory bodies including Manitoba’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Branch. The amendments would also allow the director of criminal property forfeiture to use unexplained wealth orders to require the disclosure of information from not just the owner of the property but also any responsible officer, such as business partners and corporation directors.

“The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) continues to support the ongoing efforts to deal with organized crime and unlawful wealth in Manitoba,” said Deputy Chief Scot Halley, Winnipeg Police Service, and president, MACP. “Unexplained wealth orders will provide a much-needed tool to deter the accumulation of wealth from organized crime and other criminal activity.”

The body armour and fortified vehicle control amendment act would make it easier for law enforcement to seize vehicles with aftermarket changes that are being used by organized crime to move money, drugs and firearms across the province and country. The legislation would prohibit the use of aftermarket hidden compartments in vehicles. These compartments have no legitimate function. They are typically added to vehicles for the purpose of concealing controlled substances, weapons and cash proceeds of crime during transport, noted the minister, and therefore facilitate drug and firearms trafficking and money laundering.

Media Release

Winnipeg, Manitoba June 3, 2024 – A cutting-edge gang prevention campaign held in 2023 and aimed at
youth throughout the province has earned international recognition with an International Association of
Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Merit and North American recognition with a Social
Marketing Association of North America (SMANA) Gold Medal.

The initiative, led and funded by the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) Organized Crime
Committee and Manitoba Justice, partnered with The Link: Youth and Family Supports, who responded to
anonymous text messages from youth throughout the two-phase campaign. Three short, gritty videos broke
down the myths of gang life including drugs, sexual exploitation and gun violence while targeting youth aged
13 – 16.

Complete release here

Technology will Enable Access to Remote Education, Training, Crises Counseling, Victim Services and Virtual Court Appearances: Goertzen

The Manitoba government is providing $100,000 through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund (CPF) to support the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police to collaborate with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) in connecting remote First Nations communities with high-speed internet access, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today.

“We are using the latest satellite technology to bring efficiencies and accessibility to the justice system in northern Manitoba,” said Goertzen. “Through CPF funding, we are able to connect remote MKO residents to virtual court appearances, victims’ services, crisis responders, MMIWG teams and other community supports. We are also able to provide the broader community with accessibility and connectivity to education, training and programming that is essential to building long-term approaches to reducing crime and promoting public safety.”

Starlink technology will also connect residents and vulnerable youth to access the MKO Youth Healing Lodge services remotely, allowing people experiencing and healing from tragic events to better access the supports they need.

“As a result of our partnerships with Justice Canada and Manitoba Justice, the MKO communities will greatly benefit from this initiative,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. “There has always been a huge need in our northern First Nations for reliable and adequate internet access. There will be opportunities for everything from virtual medical service consultation to court procedures as well as education and training. This is a true step in the direction of working together and addressing recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. The exciting thing about this initiative is that the setup time to provide an active link and put it in service isn’t long. We can see the benefits in days, not years.”

In addition, the technology will allow for increased access to virtual court appearances making access to the justice system easier for those in the communities. First Nations safety officers will also use the systems to connect with other policing agencies, transfer information, evidence and intelligence electronically to justice system participants more efficiently.

“The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police is extremely excited to be a part of this initiative,” said Gord Schumacher, executive director, MACP. “Having reliable access to the internet in isolated communities will not only support education and training but provide access to Justice and enhance public safety.”

Starlink systems will be place in eight MKO First Nations communities and youth centre, which includes:

  • Misipawistik Cree Nation, Grand Rapids;
  • Chemawawin Cree Nation, Easterville;
  • Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Pukatawagan;
  • Mosakahiken Cree Nation, Moose Lake;
  • Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Oxford House;
  • Northlands Denesuline First Nation, Lac Brochet,
  • Shamattawa First Nation;
  • Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Split Lake;
  • MKO Youth Healing Lodge.

In Manitoba, cash and proceeds from the sale of forfeited property are deposited into the Criminal Property Forfeiture (CPF) Fund, which is used to:

  • compensate victims of the unlawful activity that led to the forfeiture of the property;
  • provide funding to Victim Services ;
  • promote safer communities by investing in specialized equipment/training for law enforcement agencies; and
  • promote safer communities by providing funding to law enforcement agencies for community initiatives.

Since 2011, more than $26 million has been distributed to law enforcement agencies and community initiatives through the CPF funds.

Media Release

The Link is launching a cutting-edge gang prevention campaign aimed at youth throughout the province, an initiative led and funded by the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) Organized Crime Committee and Manitoba Justice.

Three short, gritty videos are meant to start a conversation about the myths of gang life when compared to reality. The concept uses a video game look-and-feel to reach viewers aged 13-16 in a way they will relate to and share. A phone number at the end of each video encourages viewers to send a text message to The Link; a potential lifeline for those who want help leaving gang life. The Link will provide around-the-clock responses to texts from youth sent to 204.900.6010.

Read the media release here.

To view the videos go to https://thelinkmb.ca/ganglifeisnolife/

Jeremy Skibicki, 35, was charged Thursday with three more counts of first-degree murder after more victims were identified, police said at a Thursday afternoon news conference. Investigators now believe Skibicki was also responsible for the deaths of two other First Nations women and another woman who hasn’t yet been identified, between March and May 2022, said police Chief Danny Smyth.

Watch the media release here

Read the media release here.

Anyone with information about this investigation, specifically about this jacket, is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

The 2022 speech from the throne, delivered by Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville at the opening of the fifth session of the 42nd legislature, is setting a course toward greater health, and prosperity for Manitobans with a series of commitments to make communities stronger, safer, and more affordable, Premier Heather Stefanson said today.

Read the media release here.

Public Education & Awareness Campaign

To help us all understand the vast difference between the myths of gang life and the reality of what it delivers, the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Organized Crime Committee had three short videos produced. The intended viewers are those between 13 – 16 years old who are at risk of joining a gang, are already in a gang, and those looking for help safely leaving a gang.

Viewers are directed to text questions to The Link where staff have received specialized training to better understand and respond to incoming texts providing support and referrals.

We encourage you to join the campaign by sharing this information with individuals and agencies.

Visit The Link Web Page

Additional information on the project can be found here.

This campaign was produced by the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Organized Crime Committee, in partnership with Manitoba Justice, Argyle Communications, and The Link: Youth and Family Supports.

MACP Speaker Series

The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Speaker Series brings the very best of today’s experts, leaders, thinkers, and innovators to deliver a wide variety of topics of interest to police leaders in Manitoba. MACP members will come away from each speaker event with greater awareness and a broader understanding of new and interesting ideas through these informal and engaging events.

Read the MACP May 2024 Magazine

Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards

There is exceptional work being done by officers in their community, police service, and in law enforcement, across the Province. We are pleased to present this opportunity to recognize their efforts. Recipients will be presented with a medal, a lapel pin, and a certificate from the Attorney General of Manitoba at our annual awards banquet. Nomination closing date: August 31, 2023.
Nomination Form – Civilian

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Mailing Address

Manitoba Association of
Chiefs of Police
245 Smith Street (PO Box 1680)
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0R6 (R3C2Z7)

General Inquiries

Gord SCHUMACHER
Executive Director, MACP
GSchumacherMACP@Winnipeg.ca

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