From its roots in 1971 to its present-day innovations, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has evolved into a modern agency deeply embedded in the communities of Niagara.
🏛️ A Rich History of Service
- Established on January 1, 1971, NRPS amalgamated various municipal forces across the region, making it Ontario’s oldest regional police service.
- Over the decades, the service expanded, launching specialized units like the Casino Patrol in 1996 and upgrading facilities—most recently moving headquarters to Niagara Falls in 2016 and completing the St. Catharines station rebuild in 2021 .
🎯 Mission, Values & Community Integration
At its core, NRPS is committed to:
- Serving with integrity, fairness, and compassion in line with Canadian rights and freedoms .
- Embracing problem-oriented, community-centric policing, driven by innovation and partnership.
Engagement programs like CORE focus on youth, businesses, and proactive community problem solving.
🌱 Equity, Inclusion & Strategic Partnerships
- The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Unit supports training, outreach, and public engagement — including placards for deaf/hearing-impaired individuals.
- The Chief of Police – Community Inclusion Council brings together community leaders and police to advise on cultural and equity issues, including reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
- Public input also shapes strategic direction: a new Strategic Plan (2026–2029) invites resident insights niagarapolice.ca.
đź“Ł Programs That Impact Niagara
- Traffic Initiatives like R.I.D.E., Operation Impact, and Roadworthy campaigns help deter impaired/aggressive driving.
- The Real Time Operations Centre, funded through provincial grants, uses CCTV and high-tech monitoring to support frontline units.
- The NRPS recently partnered with the Police Services Board to create a Niagara Regional Police Foundation, raising funds specifically for crime prevention and community safety.
🤝 Community-Driven Transparency
- NRPS is piloting Body-Worn Cameras, with open houses to discuss public safety, privacy, and accountability.
- Auxiliary constables—volunteer, unarmed personnel—support patrols and community outreach, increasing the regular force by around 75 members.
- Initiatives like the “9 pm Routine” and free Faraday bags show proactive crime-prevention, particularly against vehicle theft.
🔍 Why It Matters to Niagara
- Holistic Policing: NRPS’s strength lies in blending enforcement with prevention—targeting root issues like mental health, vulnerable populations, and road safety via a regional Community Safety & Well‑Being Plan.
- Inclusive Outreach: Through EDI, inclusion councils, advisory boards, and public tech roll-outs, NRPS strives to reflect and respect Niagara’s diverse communities.
- Evolving Responsiveness: Whether it’s camera pilot programs or strategic three-year planning, adaptability is built into the service’s DNA.
âś… Looking Ahead
The NRPS is positioning itself as more than just a law enforcement agency—it aims to be a trusted partner in building safer, more inclusive communities across Niagara. Its use of tech, public discourse, and targeted outreach reflects a modern vision of policing that’s accountable, collaborative, and community-rooted.
🏢 1. Offices & Contact Numbers
NRPS has six district stations, plus a main headquarters:
- Headquarters (2 District) – 5700 Valley Way, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 1X8; 24‑hour front desk; non-emergency: (905) 688‑4111
- 1 District – St. Catharines & Thorold: (905) 688‑4111
- 3 District – Welland & Pelham: (905) 735‑7811
- 5 District – Fort Erie: (905) 871‑2300
- 6 District – Port Colborne & Wainfleet: (905) 735‑7811
- 8 District – Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln: (905) 945‑2211
- Communications/Dispatch – Emergencies via 911, non-emergency lines monitored 24/7
đź“Š 2. Crime Rate & Statistics
- Crime Severity Index (CSI) for Niagara region in 2023: 54.7, down from 55.7 in 2022, and well below the Canadian average (~80.4)
- Violent CSI: 66.9 in 2023 (down slightly from 65.9 in 2022), also lower than comparable regional average (~93)
These indices reflect both the frequency and seriousness of reported crimes.
đźš“ 3. Patrol Areas & Schedules
- Patrol coverage spans the entire Niagara Region, with dedicated officers assigned to their respective district boundaries, covering urban, suburban, and rural communities
- Shifts run around the clock—NRPS operates 24/7 dispatch and patrol services
- While district-level patrol times may vary, standard policing includes daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts tailored for coverage and response readiness.
âś… Summary Table
| Information Type | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ Address | 5700 Valley Way, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 1X8 |
| Main Non-Emergency | (905) 688‑4111 |
| District Stations | 1: (905) 688‑4111; 3: (905) 735‑7811; 5: (905) 871‑2300; 6: (905) 735‑7811; 8: (905) 945‑2211 |
| Emergency | 911 (24/7) |
| Crime Severity Index | 2023: 54.7; Violent CSI: 66.9 |
| Patrolling | Region-wide, continuous 24/7 coverage |