About Safety/Ambassador

NECRC is involved in a number of safety initiatives aimed at crime prevention and harm reduction.  These include engaging community, building networks and partnerships, and developing/participating in innovative safety projects and programs.

Working with Local Neighbourhoods
In 2008 the Safety Coordinator continued to support resident associations as they implemented safety plans, community cleanup events and initiatives developed to meet the needs of the local neighbourhoods. Residents continued to take a proactive and comprehensive approach to safety concerns in their communities. NECRC supported 7 local resident groups to sponsor local Urban Green Team initiatives in their neighbourhoods. As a result, 20 UGT students worked throughout the north end on greening and community renewal activities.

School Resource Officer (SRO) Program
NECRC, in partnership with the Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg School Division, and the Winnipeg Police Service continues to operate the North End School Resource Officer Program in 15 North End schools. The SRO program, which was renewed for another three years in 2008, continues to be successful in strengthening relationships between police, youth, and community.

Networking and Partnerships
NECRC supported and developed safety initiatives within the North End through involvement on committees such as the Inner-City Safety Coalition, Winnipeg Committee for Safety, United Way Safety Policy Group. These partnerships provided the opportunity to share information, raise awareness, and strengthen policy in areas related to safety within Winnipeg’s North End and inner-city. In 2008, the Neighbour to Neighbour Safety Strategy was established as a steering committee with a mandate to work collaboratively with community residents and the Winnipeg Police Service to build relationships that support community safety, specifically within the neighbourhoods of William Whyte, Point Douglas, Lord Selkirk, St. John’s and Dufferin. The committee develops strategies to address awareness, education and appropriate interventions to improve community safety. Three priority areas identified are: drugs, gangs, sex trade. NECRC also partnered with the Inner City Safety Coalition to host a Forum on Police Governance in April 2009. 100 individuals attended the event.

North End Community Ambassador (NECA) Program
The NECA Program is a community-based volunteer foot patrol program, established in October 2006 to lower the incidence of crime through visible safety patrols, and to enhance the perception of safety in the North End. In 2008, an Ambassador Bicycle Patrol began operating within the north end. The Ambassador Program hosted a Community Meet and Greet to introduce new community based police officers to the community; 194 residents/ stakeholders attended the event. As well, a North End Safety Conference was held in April 2008, with 50 north end residents in attendance. A total of 50 volunteer ambassadors have been enrolled in the program since its inception.