The New Westminster Police Department has unveiled a transformed Hummer, which was designed by 12 year old New Westminster student Christian W.

The Hummer H2 was provided to the New Westminster Police Department through the provincial government’s civil forfeiture program. This prompted the New Westminster Police Department to have the Wrap our Ride contest, where local youth were asked to submit design ideas for the seized vehicle’s wrap. The unveiling was held in conjunction with the New Westminster Secondary School Rock Solid theatrical performance which addresses school bullying and violence.

(flickr.com)

“Communities and police agencies continue to respond positively as we repurpose former criminal assets into gang-fighting outreach vehicles, and we expect that will be the case once again here in New Westminster,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris. “As a former police officer, I recognize the importance of finding ways to engage with local youth and share important information with them at a key time in their lives – and that’s really what this vehicle is about.”

The civil forfeiture program continues to undermine the profit motive behind gang activity by taking away proceeds of unlawful activity. Other police departments throughout the lower mainland have used forfeited vehicles provided through the Civil Forfeiture Program to successfully engage and educate youth about the consequences of organized crime.

(flickr.com)

“We are happy to be partnering with the Civil Forfeiture Office and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit on this great initiative,” said Chief Constable Dave Jones. “This is a powerful statement that the proceeds of unlawful activity can be taken away, and that joining a gang can ruin your life.”

The Hummer will be used by the New Westminster Police Department at local school and community events.

Find more photos of the unveiling here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsknoXyKC

Courtesy of the New Westminster Police Department: http://ow.ly/FWQy300Z24n