Following consultation with community stakeholders, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) will restart enforcement and engagement efforts beginning Friday, August 7th, aimed at curbing open drug use and trafficking in areas where there have been ongoing concerns related to crime and social disorder.
Working alongside community and government partners, the WPS will engage with individuals, enforce applicable laws and bylaws, and help connect people to appropriate supports and resources.
As a direct result of conversations with community stakeholders, the WPS will utilize suggestions made to ensure a community-focused initiative:
- An outreach-first approach: The WPS will prioritize collaboration with community organizations. Outreach workers may attend alongside officers, lead initial engagement efforts, or provide follow-up support to help connect individuals with appropriate services.
- Enhanced community communication: A dedicated Community Coordinator from Ka Ni Kanichik has been identified as the primary liaison between the WPS and community organizations, helping ensure concerns, information, and supports are shared effectively.
- Stronger collaboration: Community and policing partners will work together through a coordinated response to better address community concerns and connect people with appropriate supports.
10-Day initiative results
In the four weeks preceding the launch of the initiative, hotspots identified within the project boundaries experienced four consecutive weeks of increasing crime. Between June 24 - July 3, the WPS increased presence in these neighbourhoods affected by open drug use and social disorder.
During this 10-day period, the WPS engaged in the following activities:
- Total Events (Officer Generated and related Calls for Service) – 1,099
- Total Arrests – 106
- 93 Warrants and/or Breaches
- 3 Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- 5 Possession of a Scheduled Substance
- Total number of persons transported to Protective Care Centre – 7
During this 10-day period, the WPS observed the following impacts:
- Property crime incidents decreased 10.5% compared to the same period in 2025
- Violent crime incidents decreased 16.5% compared to the same period in 2025
- Emergency calls for service (Priority 0-2) decreased 6% compared to the same period in 2025
This initiative will continue to identify specific geographic areas in and around downtown Winnipeg. These locations have been selected based on a combination of WPS crime data, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service data, and public tips and concern. Residents can expect to see a visible police presence in these areas meant to deter and suppress open drug use, intercept trafficking networks, and promote community outreach.
This work relies on continued collaboration with community partners. The WPS thanks everyone who has been involved in consulting on this initiative to improve public safety for all Winnipeggers.