Dressed in their civilian clothing, police officers went door-to-door in Winnipeg on Sunday, getting public input from the community to bring back to Mayor Brian Bowman.

More than 100 off duty officers, cadets and volunteers spoke with people about policing and priorities throughout the city.

"I think we are trying to reaffirm what we already know to a certain extent — that citizens want to feel safe in Winnipeg and to find out [if] they really feel safe and are there programs that can be bolstered, especially when we have Mayor Bowman wanting to cut services to the police service … through the budget," said Maurice Sabourin, president of the Winnipeg Police Association.

The police budget has risen 80 per cent over the past 10 years and now makes up 26 per cent of the city's total budget at a total of $280 million, a city spokesperson said in an email to CBC.

"The Mayor supports the Police Board's strategic plan which calls for budget increases, not decreases, at or below the rate of inflation," the email said.

Sabourin said he is concerned the current plan means that some aspects of policing could be at risk.

"Our concern is that if the mayor gets his way with the budget cut that it's the proactive programs that are the first ones that are going to see a decrease because we will become completely reactive," he said.

"That's why it's important for us to get out and find out what the citizens are really interested in and get that message across to city hall."

When the officers went to Roger Venton's door in the Silver Heights neighbourhood he said it was a welcome conversation.

"At the present moment it seems to coincide with their fight with city hall in regards to their union negotiations and what have you and the stiff hand that's been taken by the administration," Venton said.

"But I think on top of that it's a good idea because it's nice that they come out and talk to you."

The Winnipeg Police Association also plans to send out mailers to thousands of households to get feedback.