Spotlight on Manitoba enforcement and intervention.

The Manitoba government extended its efforts to deal with its considerable gang problems in Winnipeg.

An intensive $1-million program named Spotlight, to get young offenders out of gangs, was announced by Manitoba Attorney General Dave Chomiak. Spotlight will bring intensive enforcement and intervention with support for youth and their families.

A director and 10 new staff, including probation officers and street mentors, are now in place as part of the Spotlight initiative. They will work with the highest-risk gang youth and their families. Two family workers will be hired in December. A designated Crown attorney will work closely with the unit to consult on cases.

"The street mentors are a vital part of the reduction strategy and will help youth understand the dangers and consequences of gang life," said Chomiak.

The strategy builds on existing capacity within Manitoba Corrections. Seven staff members who provide probation supervision or intensive support and supervision programming for youth in rural and northern Manitoba have been selected as anti-gang co-ordinators. They will receive extra training and have access to the pool of expertise Spotlight will develop.

A task force will also be formed to provide leadership and support for the strategy and to work across levels of government to reduce youth gang activity. It will include representation from Manitoba Corrections, Manitoba Public Prosecutions, the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP.