Barrie police will receive $92,445 for the Project Safe Horizons: Eyes Open initiative as part of a funding announcement today from the provincial government.
Marked uniform cars will be purchased and equipped with automated licence plate readers.
Software will be developed to alert officers of the presence of people involved in human trafficking at "high-probability locations," according to a news release issued Wednesday, Nov. 28.
The project will also fund outreach for information sharing across all Ontario police services and outreach to local businesses, hotels and motels to increase awareness of human trafficking.
The provincial government announced Wednesday that it is providing $1.5 million to help police fight human trafficking, disrupt outlaw motorcycle gang activity, support victims and address mental-health issues in their communities.
The funding is administered through the Civil Remedies Grant Program, which receives funding from the forfeiture of proceeds and instruments of unlawful activity. The grant program supports programs that help victims and keep communities safe.
This year, 17 police services across Ontario, including Barrie, will receive funding through the program for 21 projects.
"These grants will give police access to new technologies and training to better protect communities and support victims," said Attorney General Caroline Mulroney.
