WINNIPEG, MB - On Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 PM, Winnipeg Police Cause Harm (WPCH) will be hosting a free hour-long workshop at Central Community Centre (Door 6, 200 Isabel Street) about community safety beyond police.

This event is designed to provide community members an overview of the many issues with policing and incarceration as well as alternative options for safety grounded in life-sustaining services that help prevent harm before it occurs. After a presentation by WPCH members, several community organizations will also be providing a brief overview of their important frontline work.

Despite the Winnipeg Police having the largest budget in its history — spending more than $320 million a year, mostly on salaries and benefits — high-profile incidents of interpersonal violence and harm are only increasing. This workshop aims to give attendees a detailed yet accessible introduction into how Winnipeg can become a safer and more just place through the defunding of police and refunding of community.

In stark contrast with the Winnipeg Police’s own community events, this workshop is being run entirely by volunteers and using donations from the community. It will include catering from Feast Cafe Bistro, ASL interpretation, and child-minding. Consistent with our goals of promoting genuine community safety, it will also include COVID-19 harm reduction measures including free distribution of masks and running several air filtration units. There will also be free bus tickets for attendees to use as needed.

This workshop will be offered in other communities and institutions in future.
Please email us at wpgpolicecauseharm@gmail.com if you would like to arrange an interview about the event.