The head of the RCMP in Manitoba says he’s hopeful other jurisdictions will follow his province’s decision to declare the Hell’s Angels a criminal organization.
It’s the first time such a move has been taken by any province or state in North America.
Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau explains the tactic will save authorities a lot of time when it comes to dealing with the biker gang:
“The criminal process will take its course. This has no impact on the front end of how police deal with Hell’s Angels in the first instance. It’s more in terms of how the prosecution runs with respect to things like civil forfeiture, the fortified buildings act and other legislation that’s provincially run. ”
He says the move is a clear signal that Manitoba will develop and use every tool to fight criminal organizations and the threat they pose to its citizens.
He stresses it doesn’t give officers on the front lines any more authority to deal with gang members any differently than they do now.
For it’s part Saskatchewan Justice says it’s examining what Manitoba has done and how such a move would work in this province.
A spokesman for the Ministry also said there’s no indication the Hell’s Angels are looking at moving into other areas like Saskatchewan as a result of the criminal designation in Manitoba.