Manitoba Progressive Conservative Justice Critic and Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, is commending the members of Steinbach’s Public Safety Task Force for their recent report on policing and safety issues impacting the City.
“One of the things that my time as Justice Critic in the province has taught me is that in terms of crime, it’s much easier to keep a problem out than to root a problem out once it’s entrenched, “ said Goertzen. “Steinbach is a growing city and while that growth is very positive, it naturally brings along with it some things that are not as positive in terms of crime and drugs and you need to stay ahead of those challenges.”
Goertzen said in reading the report two issues in particular caught his attention, the need for a General Investigative Section (GIS) and support for a more robust Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP).
“My observation of other police forces is that an investigation unit is critical in ensuring police time is allocated well and to ensure there is the kind of follow-up to crime that people expect. A GIS unit is really a necessity, not a luxury, for a growing city,” said Goertzen. “The Citizens on Patrol Program not only provides the police with additional eyes and ears, but engages the community. But that often requires support and the recommendation for a modest level of support is positive.”
Goertzen noted that if future rounds of municipal police funding occur from the province, he hopes both the City and rural detachment are included noting that the cost of policing is expensive.
“Policing isn’t cheap and those are difficult decisions for any Council to make but I commend Councillor Michael Zwaagstra and Councillor Cari Penner together with their entire committee for looking at the issue of public safety thoughtfully and producing concrete and important recommendations to be considered,” said Goertzen.
