Manitoba news: new safety plan unveiled [Video]

WINNIPEG –

The Manitoba government says it will provide permanent funding for 12 new Winnipeg police officers as part of its public safety strategy.

The government previously funded those officers under its temporary Retail Crime Initiative, but it is expected to continue to address a rise in retail theft and violent crime in some parts of the provincial capital.

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Justice Minister Matt Wiebe told reporters Thursday that the new officers will continue working with community members and businesses.

“These folks understand that if you can get in, speak with business owners, with customers, with people, make your presence felt, you’re going to have a better, higher impact,” he said.

The province allocated $1.1 million in July to pay for police to work overtime in hot spots in Winnipeg such as retail stores and malls.

The change is …