Although there has been an upsurge in armed violence in the Greater Montreal area lately, the Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, considers that the strategy put in place to fight against these crimes is effective.
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“We put money to equip the police. Intervention strategies are the responsibility of police force managers. I know they’re very on the lookout for what’s going on.”
Since the CENTAUR strategy was introduced on September 24, 308 arrests have been made and 285 weapons have been seized, according to Mr.me Guilbault. “There’s a lot of stuff going on.”
“We also acted in prevention. Even if the effects are not immediate, it is essential. We see that these are young people who are recruited to be in criminal gangs, perhaps for lack of belonging to the community or who do not go to school (…) and who fall into cycles of violence .”
The minister maintains that CENTAUR works, despite the outbreak of armed violence in the metropolis.
“We are funding additional resources, including five in Laval and five others in Longueuil. We also gave $6.2 million from the last budget to the Montreal Police Service,” she explained.
“Quebec remains a safe nation,” launched Geneviève Guilbault.
The Minister of Public Security says that the various police forces are currently developing strategies to prepare for a “hot” summer.
“But if we have to do something else, we will do it,” she promised.