Winnipeg and Brandon police made a number of arrests over the weekend, targeting those seeking sexual services.

Project Beckon was conducted by the Brandon Police Service and the Winnipeg Police Service's (WPS) Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU), part of the WPS's Specialized Investigation Division.

The CEU focuses on both the safety and well-being of those involved in the sex trade and in conducting enforcement on those who choose to use sexual services, both directly and indirectly.

Project Beckon, police say, aimed to further ensure the safety of those who are vulnerable and sexually exploited while targeting the demand for sexual services leading to sexual exploitation.

The operation focused on the Brandon area and resulted in the arrests of 20 males and the seizure of 15 vehicles under the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act. Those arrested were charged under the Criminal Code for Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration.

According to Sergeant Kirby Sararas of the Brandon Police says the males apprehended ranged in age from 22 to 82 years. Police say that all 20 individuals have been released on a Promise to Appear.

"Sexual Exploitation is not bound by jurisdictions," said Sararas. "Victims do not choose this lifestyle or the harm inflicted upon them as a result. Those vulnerable to sexual exploitation are transient."

As a result of this operation, officers will be able to build long-term strategies that are safer for victims and still balance the needs of those involved.

WPS offered the following signs of spotting whether a victim is being exploited:

  • Being escorted and/or watched
  • Not speaking on their own behalf
  • Possessing limited knowledge of area/city they are in
  • Exhibiting signs of depression or fear

Further information on sexual exploitation and human trafficing can be found here. WPS ask that anyone with information that could be helpful to authorities related to crimes of procuring sexual services or human trafficking contact their local law enforcement. They can also call the Winnipeg Police Counter Exploitation Unit at 204-986-3464 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).