Every member of the Winona Police Department is actively involved in Community Policing. With a 30% reduction in crime in the City of Winona it is obvious Community Policing is working. Community Policing is a philosophy and an organizational strategy that promotes new partnerships between law enforcement and citizens. It is based on the premise that the police and the community must work together to identify, prioritize, and solve problems.
Neighborhood Watch groups are scattered throughout the City of Winona. The largest and most active group is the Neighbors Against Gangs (NAG) group which is in the city's second ward. The meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday of the month and start at 7:00 p.m. The NAG meetings are held on the Saint Teresa Campus at the Sports Center located at 360 Vila Street. All community members are encouraged to attend. There are guest speakers, along with different topics that are discussed at these meetings.
TRIAD partners seniors in Winona County with the Winona County Sheriff's Office and the Winona Police Department. Seniors with home safety concerns can request a home security inspection. A trained member of TRIAD will conduct a free security inspection. Lighting, door and window locks, and other issues are brought to the attention of the homeowner, and recommendations are made. The home-owner then can choose to have the problems fixed on their own or can request a TRIAD hand person to come and fix the problem. The homeowner is responsible for paying for needed items, and the labor from the handy person is free of charge. Grants are provided for those who can't afford the needed parts.
Restorative Justice is a philosophical framework that has been proposed as an alternative to the court system. Crime is viewed as a violation of the victim and the community, not a violation of the state. Restorative Justice holds the offender responsible for taking action to repair the harm caused to the victim and the community. The victim is given an opportunity to regain personal power.
Not long ago victims felt left out of their cases, but with this process they have the opportunity to speak their feelings, experience justice, and have a say in determining how their needs can best be met. The community plays a vital role in supporting and assisting the victims, holding the offender accountable, and ensuring the opportunities for offenders to make amends.
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