New Westminster police are getting a new tool to help in the investigation of domestic violence cases.
The department announced it received more than $7,000 from the provincial government's Provincial Civil Forfeiture office. The office recently announced it was investing more than $5 million to address several recommendations made in the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.
According to a media release, the New Westminster Police Department intends to purchase a universal forensic extraction device, which will enhance "the ability of the police to process cellular phone information."
By improving the ability to process cellphone data, officers will, in turn, be able to investigate domestic violence cases faster, using more forensically sound evidence.
"We are very appreciative that our grant was accepted," said Chief Const. Dave Jones in the release. "This device will greatly assist us in our ongoing efforts to protect all victims of domestic violence, and reduce violence against women and children."
The Provincial Civil Forfeiture office awarded 12 grants totaling more than $845,000 to improve programs that help with the prevention of violence against women and youth. An additional $2 million dollars was provided for programs that support vulnerable and at-risk women through domestic violence units across the province and initiatives that encourage youth not to get involved with criminal activities.
