Winkler is welcoming its first Community Safety Officer (CSO) this summer.

Kenton Hoeppner has been hired to support the Winkler Police Service, as well as become a reassuring presence in the community.

"It's going to take some work off the Winkler Police Service, they have a very full workload as the city is growing," Hoeppner says.

The CSO will deal with less serious crimes, such as bike thefts, freeing up police officers' time and resources.

"It's definitely going to be a handful, but I'm looking forward to working with the community," he says.

While Hoeppner will work closely with the Winkler Police, the CSO position comes out of the City's operating budget and answers to the City Manager.

As part of his duties, the CSO will also liaise with the city's growing Safe Community Initiative spearheaded by Central Station Community Centre. The initiative seeks to identify gaps in community services.

A CSO pilot project also took place in Thompson, MB with positive results.

After implementing the program and hiring eight Community Safety Officers, criminal files were down 19 percent in the first year.

Hoeppner will also assist the City as a By-Law Enforcement Officer.