The RCMP last week commemorated the transfer of its Northern Traffic Services Unit from Cranberry Portage to The Pas.
At an event at The Pas RCMP Detachment on Friday, April 17, the RCMP launched what is now known as The Pas Traffic Services (TPTS).
TPTS will be comprised of four RCMP officers dedicated to traffic and criminal interception. Officers will police all road-accessible areas in northern Manitoba.
Officers will focus on enforcement, education and prevention in relation to impaired driving, seatbelt use, speeding and intersection safety. They will also work to stem the flow of illicit drugs into northern Manitoba.
“Road safety is a top priority for the RCMP,” said Inspector Joanne Keeping, officer in charge of Traffic Services for the RCMP in Manitoba. “We are excited to have a dedicated Traffic Services unit in that area to service all the northern communities accessible by road so that we can do our part to help everyone get home safely.”
In terms of stopping the flow of drugs, Keeping said “illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities.”
The Pas Mayor Jim Scott was pleased with the formation of TPTS.
“As a community, we have been working diligently with the RCMP to bring this service here for quite some time,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about safer streets in safer communities, and I’m extremely pleased to see us reach towards that goal.”
The Northern Traffic Services Unit was formed in 2011 and based in Cranberry Portage. TPTS has been active on roadways since April 1, 2015, with three constables and one corporal involved.
