The Ministry of the Solicitor General is allocating funding to local police services to help combat human trafficking in Grey and Bruce counties.
The funds, which are being provided through the Proceeds of Crime - Front Line Policing grant stream, will total approximately $315,000 and will be dispersed over a three-year period from 2020-2023.
The police services of Owen Sound, Hanover, West Grey, Saugeen Shores and Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation, are receiving these funds.
The money will provide enhanced community awareness and education, specialized police training for human trafficking investigators, investigative equipment as well as funding the services of a crime analyst to assist with these complex investigations.
"We know that members of our communities are being victimized by human trafficking and these additional funds will go a long way toward enhancing our ability to help these victims and bring those that prey on them to justice," said Chief Craig Ambrose of the Owen Sound Police Service.
"This partnership is just another example of the excellent working relationship between our area police services and community partners as we work together to make our communities safer," said Hanover Police Service Chief Chris Knoll.