"Don't be shy." That's the message from Sgt. Lance Goldau with the RCMP'S Border Integrity Unit here in Manitoba, who says the public shouldn't hesitate to reach out to his team if they see something they feel is suspicious.
Sgt. Goldau says local resident involvement is a big part of working towards further securing the Canada/U.S. border, adding, if you think you see suspicious activity, including potential human smugglers, migrants seeking shelter or anything else you feel is out of place, call the authorities. That could be the Border Integrity Unit, local authorities or, if you are unsure, 9-1-1.
"We really rely on information that comes in to us. If we don't know what's happening in a particular area, it makes it difficult for us to plan, deploy technology or focus our enforcement and investigative efforts in that area. If I could leave any message with your readers and listeners it is, don't be shy."
According to Sgt. Goldau, suspicious activity could include something as obvious as people walking down a road carrying backpacks and/or suitcases, footprints and/or tire tracks in isolated areas, lingering or returning vehicles with out-of-province or out-of-country license plates, and even lost or abandoned items like clothing, luggage and even bicycles.
"Local residents are the ones that will know what should be there and what shouldn't be there, what looks out of place or what looks regular. We rely on them to relay that information to us to the best of their ability, so that we have a better picture of what's happening in their communities."
Individuals can contact Red River IBET by calling:
- Emergencies – 9-1-1 (i.e. Reporting a border crossing event in progress).
- 24/7 – (for Border Integrity emergencies and non-emergent matters) 1-888-MAN-IBET (626-4238). If members are out patrolling and no one answers, the call is forwarded to RCMP dispatch and any information provided will be passed on to the members in the field.
- Non-emergent matters (i.e. to pass on non-emergent information or for questions) – email: rcmp.dibet.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca (Emails are monitored on weekdays).