Community crime prevention projects benefit from the proceeds of crime

A total of $1.61 million provided from the Civil Forfeiture Fund 

Criminal property seized by the Government of Alberta is being used to fund programs helping people and communities across the province.

Twelve projects focused on supporting victims and preventing crime have received $1.61 million in funding through the Alberta government’s Civil Forfeiture Fund.
“This grant supports victims of crime and vulnerable Albertans, and helps stop the often cyclical nature of crime,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. “We are putting the proceeds of crime back into local communities where it can actually help people through victim support and crime prevention.”

The projects vary from cultural day camp programs, to helping at-risk youth develop communication and life skills and increase their employability options. Funding has also been provided to a variety of projects that offer support and services to victims of crime.

The Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act was introduced in 2008 under the Safe Communities initiative as an innovative and long-term way to address crime and support victims of illegal activity. Through the Civil Forfeiture Office, property gained through criminal acts is seized and if the court action is successful, forfeiture is ordered.

Common examples of forfeited property include vehicles used to commit crime, drug houses and cash. Proceeds from the sale of forfeited property are put into the Civil Forfeiture Fund which supports victims’ groups and crime prevention programs. For more information, visit
http://justice.alberta.ca/programs_services/safe/what-doing/Pages/civil_forfeiture.aspx.