STREET-CRIME UNIT ARRESTS 10 IN 2 DAYS

THE Winnipeg Police Service's latest effort to combat street crime is
having an immediate impact in the West End.

Insp. Boyd Campbell said officers assigned to Operation Clean Sweep
have already arrested 10 people and seized quantities of cocaine,
methamphetamines and weapons. Several other individuals were picked up
on outstanding arrest warrants.

"We've only been operating for two days," Campbell said during a
morning news conference yesterday.

Campbell said a deliberate decision was made to keep the task force
members in uniform, making them very visible in the community.

"We went into an apartment building (Monday night) and told the
residents that we're with Operation Clean Sweep," Campbell said. "They
were very happy to see us. They said it was about time." Police Chief
Jack Ewatski and Mayor Sam Katz announced the creation of the new task
force four weeks ago. It's designed to target gangs, prostitution and
drugs. With a budget of $1.6 million, the unit has 40 officers drawn
from all six police service districts across the city.

Police sources said Ewatski approached Katz with the idea of setting
up the new crime-fighting team after the Oct. 10 death of St.
John's-Ravenscourt School graduate Philippe Haiart, 17, who was killed
when he was caught in gunfire between members of the same gang near
Maryland Street and Sargent Avenue.

Campbell said yesterday the unit isn't solely focused on known gang
members but he added they expect to round up many gang members.

"It's not a gang effort but we know that a lot of the street crime is
gang related," Campbell said.

Campbell said the new unit's first target area is the West End, adding
however police are prepared to move into any other part of the city.

"We picked the West End because we had to start somewhere," Campbell
said. "If we feel it's worthwhile moving to another area, or if we
think the crime is moving to another area then we'll move along with
it."

Campbell said the effectiveness of the unit will be assessed in the
New Year, adding a determination will be made then if it's to be continued.

Winnipeg Police have set up a special recorded Clean Sweep Tip Line,
to take calls from the public on street crime.