Project Devote:Manitoba's missing, murdered women task force

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Next Phase for Manitoba Integrated Task Force for Missing and Murdered Women

Winnipeg, Manitoba,

May 27, 2011

– The Manitoba Integrated Task Force for Missing and Murdered Women is nearing completion of its review and examination of investigations and is now moving into the next phase of the process.

The RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service have established Project Devote, a two-pronged approach to address unsolved historical homicides and missing person cases, where foul play is suspected, involving exploited and at risk persons.

Located in RCMP “D” Division Headquarters, Project Devote consists of RCMP and WPS police officers and RCMP civilian analysts, bringing together a team with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities for these types of investigations.

The focus of Project Devote will be investigative, based on the review and recommendations made by the Task Force. This phase will concentrate on the investigation of unsolved homicides and missing person cases, where foul play is suspected, involving exploited and at risk persons.

In addition to the investigations, a proactive team will be established to further enhance the on-going efforts of dealing with exploited and at risk persons.

“The Task Force’s work to date has provided a solid basis for our investigators to build upon through Project Devote,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson. “The team’s efforts will focus on the investigation and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for these crimes. We are fully committed to providing answers to families and loved ones.”

“Members of the Task Force have worked diligently in reviewing files and their efforts are to be applauded,” said Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill. “Our hope is to solve these cases and therefore bring closure to the families affected.”

Project Devote team members remain steadfast in their commitment to bringing justice to the victims, their families and the community at large.

If anyone has any information on unsolved homicides or missing persons they are urged to contact their local police department or Manitoba Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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For more information, media are asked to contact:
Sgt. Line Karpish / Cst. Miles Hiebert
RCMP Media Relations
“D” Division RCMP
(204) 983-8497
Line.Karpish@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Miles.C.Hiebert@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Cst. Jason Michalyshen / Cst. Natalie Aitken
Public Information Officers
Winnipeg Police Service
(204) 986-3061
wps-pio@winnipeg.ca