New provincial task force will target extortion threats

Manny Mann, assistant commissioner and chief officer, CFSEU-BC and Organized Crime Agency of B.C. -

"CFSEU-BC has contributed resources towards this task force focused on the extortions that threaten public safety. CFSEU-BC aims to support our policing partners, hold those responsible accountable and help restore safety for families and businesses."

Colin Watson, chief constable, Abbotsford Police Department -

"The Abbotsford Police Department recognizes that a unified response is essential in confronting the serious threat posed by these extortion events. We are deeply grateful for the collaborative efforts of our law-enforcement partners and the financial support of the province, which enable us to move forward together into this next phase of our response. This initiative enhances the responses to this point and reflects our shared commitment to community safety, and underscores the power of working collectively to protect and support those impacted."

Harj Sidhu, chief constable, Delta Police Department -

"The creation of this task force is an important step in addressing the extortion threats impacting the South Asian community, building on the investigations already underway. The Delta Police Department is committed to working alongside our policing partners, government and community members to confront these crimes. We urge anyone receiving threats to report them so we can investigate and help keep families and businesses safe."

Norm Lipinski, chief constable, Surrey Police Service -

"It is critical that we act together to address this most pressing issue of extortions and the associated violence that are plaguing many communities in B.C. This means working not only with our policing partners, but with government and community members. This provincial task force and additional funding will enhance collaboration and police resources as we continue to tackle these complex priority files."

Suzanne Muir, chief officer, Metro Vancouver Transit Police -

"Working closely with our municipal policing partners on a daily basis, we recognize that regional public-safety issues require a regional response. Extortion is a serious issue impacting our communities, and Metro Vancouver Transit Police is dedicated to supporting this important community-driven work alongside the task force, local police and community partners."

Nina Patel, regional director general, Pacific Region, CBSA -

"Canada Border Services Agency officers and investigators work alongside law-enforcement partners to prevent, detect and disrupt organized crime. This new task force will help protect B.C. communities from criminal activity by enhancing intelligence-sharing and co-ordinating joint operations."

Adam MacIntosh, superintendent, RCMP Federal Policing, NCST -

"The National Co-ordination and Support Team (NCST), representing the RCMP in Federal Policing, applauds this important advancement in collaboration between the Province of British Columbia and its multiple police agencies. This commitment, backed by provincial funding, strengthens efforts to combat a pervasive public-safety issue in B.C. and across Canada, and the NCST will continue to provide local, national and international support to our policing partners."

Gill Millam, executive director, B.C. Crime Stoppers -

"The additional funding by the provincial government will enable B.C. Crime Stoppers to continue this campaign. This will be achieved by running dual-language advertisements on radio, utilizing billboards at SkyTrain stations and maintaining broadcasts on selected digital channels. The expanded campaign aims to reach communities most affected by extortion, particularly in Metro Vancouver and Surrey, through targeted radio spots and billboard placements."

Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey-City Centre -

"I have heard from community members about the impact these threats can have. This task force sends a firm message: Our community deserves to feel safe, supported and protected. This task force will help bring justice to those affected by extortion, and rebuild trust and peace of mind for families and businesses across Surrey."