Winnipeg Community Safety Team marks one year since hitting the streets

It’s been one year since Winnipeg’s Community Safety Team hit the streets, and in that short time, CityNews took a firsthand look at how their impact goes beyond just numbers and statistics.

Over the year, the team members have become vital for those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or addictions. The 25-member team has provided over 1,700 well-being checks, intervened in more than 20 life-threatening situations, and given over 200 vulnerable people safe rides to shelters.

“I really feel that with our small team, relatively speaking, we’re making a massive impact,” said Bob Chrismas, the team lead for the Community Safety Team.

Chrismas could not be more proud of what his officers have accomplished, highlighting how far the team has come over the year.

“We started out trying to fill the system gaps but in a passionate trauma-informed way, but I brought in people who have a strong passion around compassion and treating people with dignity and respect, and the whole thing has gained momentum in that direction,” Chrismas explained.

While Chrismas says stats and data are important, the real impact is revealed through community feedback.

“We’re still getting fist bumps and pats on the shoulder, and my officers tell me they get on the bus now and people pat them on the shoulders and say I am so glad to see you,” said Chrismas.

Dale McDonald, the supervisor for the Community Safety Team, adds, “Citizens are always saying we’re so happy to see you and they want us on all the buses, so having more of a presence is the goal right now.

“Being on the bus and there was someone in a crisis, being kind and compassionate to that person and then they said to us thank you for taking the time and being so kind to me in that moment.”

As for what’s next for the community safety team, over the next three years, they will expand by 15 officers, including nine this spring.