Document: RCMP email on integrated task force

The RCMP email, in full:

"In recent months, many Manitoba communities have been impacted by a series of tragic events, involving some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Many of these events cause unthinkable pain and anguish to those families and communities who are affected.

I recognize the frustration of families and loved ones of the victims of crime: being asked for continued patience, yet time continues to pass with little to comfort them.

I would like to take this opportunity to explain how the RCMP responds to serious criminal investigations.

Our investigators take each one of these complex investigations very seriously. We use every available resource to explore every potential avenue for information, witnesses and evidence. Its not unusual to have 20 or more police officers working on an investigation at any given time, especially when the trail is still warm and there are solid leads to follow.

The manner in which resources are assigned and investigational avenues determined is guided only by the circumstances of each case and not by the victims background, heritage or lifestyle.

There are many factors that can impact an investigation, and even create barriers in obtaining reliable information and locating co-operative witnesses, who may not even realize that they have seen something of importance.

The RCMP continues to look to the public as important partners in helping to provide key links and connections to the evidence.

The complexities of each case are vast, and each investigation involves careful examination of vital information and the collection of evidence.

We are constantly monitoring for prior and emerging trends and checking for potential links between cases. Our ViCLAS (Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System) analysts are part of a nationwide network used by police agencies to search for common factors in criminal cases. Any possible links are flagged and further explored.

The RCMP Forensic Laboratory continues to make improvements to its Biology Services. This has resulted in a steady reduction in turnaround times for the DNA analysis of crime scene exhibits. Additionally, a new forensic investigation process is being developed and will be piloted in the coming months to further strengthen support to police services across Canada.

The recently announced Manitoba Integrated Task Force on Missing and Murdered Women will review cases from across Manitoba.

Let me assure you that we are also talking with our colleagues working on similar Task Forces established in BC and Alberta, where these projects are developing "best practices" that can be implemented in similar initiatives here in Manitoba.

We recognize that success in this area will be dependent on our ongoing partnerships with community support groups, social agencies and other police departments in Manitoba and throughout Canada.

I thank you for your continued support, trust and patience."

D.W. (Bill) Robinson, Assistant Commissioner

Commanding Officer, RCMP "D" Division