WPS looks to make a difference, offering outreach to downtown core apartment

The Windsor police were doing outreach work at 920 Ouellette on Thursday, offering help to residents wherever possible.

A unique approach to Windsor Police Service community outreach was on display Thursday in the downtown core.

With the support of partners from various charities, social services and agencies, WPS held an expo of sorts on-site at the apartment complex located at 920 Ouellette Avenue.

Historically, WPS data reports that this residence has had a history of high demand of first responder assistance. That demand has put a strain on emergency responses of police, fire and EMS in the city.

In addition to the presence of WPS, representatives form WECHU (Windsor-Essex County Health Unit), Brentwood Recovery Home, Windsor-Essex County Humane Society (WECHS), Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) and others were present to help educate and promote awareness about their services and support they offer to the community.

One solution advocated by WPS is to inform, educate and support residents at the building about other organizations that are equipped to provide specific support in non-emergency circumstances.

Police Chief Jason Bellaire is a proponent of customizing community initiatives and programs by police that suit specific needs of citizens where they live.

“Going through our data, 70 to 75 per cent of all the calls for service at this location are non-criminal justice, non-criminal calls, more health and human services needs where people are calling the police for those needs,” said Chief Bellaire.

“So, this is important [and] is where we’re bringing the actual services to this location that the people need to live, to facilitate their day-to-day activities.”

It’s the hope that this method of engagement will foster good public relations with area residents throughout the region.

“It’s also reducing potential negative interactions, with members of our police service and members of the community who might be struggling with addiction or mental health or other social needs,” Bellaire continued.

So far, the WPS has implemented a customized approach to community policing and outreach in Windsor’s Glengarry neighbourhood – a pilot project.

The Glengarry area has had a long history of challenges with violent crime and illegal activity, but recent WPS efforts to increase its presence and make connections with citizens have started to improve safety and security in the area.