Winnipeg Copwatch

Winnipeg Copwatch from time to time hosts training workshops for people interested in copwatching with us. We do however feel that ‘copwatching’ is something that anyone can do, and has the right to do. Police misconduct is a problem in Winnipeg and we seek to expose it by documenting it via video camera, audio, and by simply witnessing.

For example, LA Copwatch recorded footage of Los Angeles Police Department officers repeatedly punching William Cardenas in the face while trying to force his hands together. The video was posted on YouTube and the next day an investigation looking into whether the officers used excessive force had begun.

Copwatch Workshops

This workshop is aimed at introducing people to a video camera. It also covers who kind of information is required when videotaping for court use (time, location, street signs, car numbers, license plate numbers, badge numbers). There is also a roleplaying component where people have to ‘buddy up’ with a camera person, and maneuver around aggressive cops, obstacles, ect.

This workshop is aimed at giving people the knowledge to stand up for their rights when interacting with police. It also explains your rights in relation to police activity, what you can do, what you cannot do, and also talks about copwatch policy.

This workshop is aimed at giving people the skills to de-escalate a tense situation. We do not want to make the situation worse, or agitate, but be peaceful and calm. This is for the safety of copwatchers, and people interacting with police.

We are currently working on an introduction to copwatch policy and proceudure workshop for individuals interested in becoming involved in patrols, or other work that we undertake.

Want to contribute?

These are the current workshops that we have done, and are organized for. In the future we hope to provide proper conflict resolution, harm reduction workshops and consensus based decision making. If you are interested in working with us on any of those workshops, please contact us.