WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 5, 2017 – Internal communications to Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) members show cuts to the training budget have reduced the ability for members serving in the WPS Specialized Investigation Division to attend a conference on missing and exploited children taking place right here in Winnipeg.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection will be holding the 17th Annual Missing and Exploited Children Training Conference in Winnipeg later this month. Internal communications show budget cuts will reduce the number of members who could attend and otherwise benefit from the unique insights offered by conference guests in a very difficult and challenging area of law enforcement.

“Members in our Specialized Investigation Division work on some of the most challenging and heart-breaking crimes which can affect our community, and cases involving missing and exploited children are some of the toughest any community can face,” said Maurice (Moe) Sabourin, Winnipeg Police Association President. “These conferences provide unique opportunities to learn from other experts working in this field, and our members benefit tremendously from the training opportunities conferences like this represent. It is disappointing to see cuts imposed by the Mayor and Council affecting these training opportunities.”

Sabourin noted the limited attendance will see between 25 and 30 members miss out on an opportunity to learn more about issues around missing and exploited children. “This is an example of how the budget approach of the Mayor and Council can ultimately impact the services we provide Winnipeg families,” said Sabourin. “Not only do wait times increase on calls for service, but training opportunities like this one, on a very important topic, at a conference right here in Winnipeg, need to be restricted.”

Sabourin said the WPA continues to work closely with members to watch for further cuts that will ultimately affect the frontline services which keep our community safe.

Contact:

Maurice (Moe) Sabourin
President
Winnipeg Police Association
T: (204) 957-1579
M: (204) 228-4301
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.winnipegpoliceassociation.ca