Improvement has been made for Manitoban's public safety from 2024. Following the release of the Winnipeg Police Service’s (WPS) annual report for 2024, the results can be seen.
“Manitobans know that to see real change, we must address crime and the causes of crime,” Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said “Through our continued investment in front-line resources, collaboration with community partners and the WPS, we are seeing reductions in violent crime and crime severity in Winnipeg. We have more work to do in Winnipeg and across the province to continue making our communities safer and we will continue to do that important work across our government.”
For the first time in four years, Wiebe notes that violent crime and crime severity is down. Youth violent crime is also down for the first time in four years, as youth violent crime with a weapon down 23 per cent. Violent crime and crime severity is down for the first time in a decade, excluding the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Knife crimes have also come down 14 per cent, after provincial legislation to crack down on machete attacks. In 2024, 12 new provincially funded police officers joined the ranks with 12 more slated to start in the summer and another 12 in the fall.
“Our investments in the retail crime initiative and an increased presence in key areas have resulted in more arrests and an overall increase in safety for businesses and shoppers alike,” said Wiebe. “The WPS continues to do great work in keeping Winnipeggers safe and we will continue to work with them to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, feels safe in their neighbourhood.”
To view the WPS annual report, visit https://wps-statistical-report-2024-wpsgis.hub.arcgis.com.