Community Safety Officer Program

Community Safety Office

60 Saskatchewan Ave E
Portage la Prairie, MB
R1N 0L2

Phone: 204-239-0007

Monday – Friday
Day Shift: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Evening Shift: 2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

About the Community Safety Officer (CSO) Program

The City of Portage la Prairie’s Community Safety Officer (CSO) Program was launched in 2024 to enhance public safety through visibility, collaboration, and proactive community engagement. CSOs conduct regular foot, vehicle and bike patrols, support crime prevention efforts, and strengthen the City’s connection with residents and businesses.

CSOs work closely with the RCMP and other local stakeholders under a collaborative enforcement model that focuses on education, prevention, intervention, and enforcement. Their presence helps deter crime, promote safety, and respond to community concerns in real time.

The Police Services Act grants Community Safety Officers enhanced powers of arrest and legal authority to: detain individuals posing a safety threat, enforce provincial laws, assist the RCMP, search and seizure, crisis response, road safety and traffic enforcement.

Program Expansion

Due to the program’s success, the City expanded the CSO team in 2025. Two additional full-time CSOs and one part-time CSO (0.5 FTE) were added, bringing the team to 6.5 CSOs and one manager.

With this expansion comes increased patrol coverage, extended hours of operation, and greater capacity to support community safety. As of June 30, 2025 the new CSO shift schedule is in effect:

• Day Shift: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Evening Shift: 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

The CSO Program reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to building a safer, more connected community.