The police services of Owen Sound, Hanover, West Grey, Saugeen Shores and Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation, in partnership with Grey Bruce Public Health and Victim Services Bruce Grey Perth are pleased to announce that they will be receiving additional funding through the Ministry of the Solicitor General to help combat human trafficking in Grey and Bruce counties.

The funds, which are being provided through the Proceeds of Crime – Front Line Policing grant stream, will total approximately $315,000 and will be dispersed over a three-year period from 2020-2023.  These funds will be used by the five Services to provide enhanced community awareness and education, specialized police training for human trafficking investigators, investigative equipment as well as funding the services of a crime analyst to assist with these complex investigations.

Chief Craig Ambrose of the Owen Sound Police Service says “We know that members of our communities are being victimized by human trafficking and these additional funds will go a long way toward enhancing our ability to help these victims and bring those that prey on them to justice.”

Chief Mike Bellai of the Saugeen Shores Police Service advised “We are delighted with being provided the necessary funds for training and investigations through the Proceeds of Crime Grant and to be partnering with our neighbouring Police Services to jointly combat this cross jurisdictional issue in our communities”

Chief Chris Knoll of the Hanover Police Service said “This partnership is just another example of the excellent working relationship between our area police services and community partners as we work together to make our communities safer.”

Chief Rob Martin of the West Grey Police Service stated “The West Grey Police are pleased to receive this funding to enhance our training to deal with and investigate Human Trafficking and to partner with our partner police agencies in Grey-Bruce to battle this crime.”