Calgary Police Conduct Downtown Safety Sweep Amid Rising Crime
Following the recent municipal election and with the city's budget review underway, Calgary police launched a visible safety enforcement operation on Wednesday in the downtown core to tackle increasing crime rates in the area.
Operation Order: Coordinated Police Effort
Officers from various jurisdictions were mobilized to patrol downtown streets and transit hubs as part of Operation Order, which focused on combining community outreach with law enforcement efforts.
Key Results by 4:30 p.m.
- 20 arrests made
- 180 outstanding warrants executed
- Seizure of multiple weapons
- Over 60 vulnerable individuals referred to social services
“We know that many Calgarians are feeling uneasy in our downtown core,” said Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan.
Violent Crime at a Six-Year Peak
The city reports that violence in areas including the Beltline, Chinatown, Downtown East Village, Downtown West End, Eau Claire, and the Downtown Commercial Core has reached its highest level in six years.
Driving Factors of Crime
- Street robberies and assaults are major contributors to the rise in violent crime rates.
- Many assaults are directed toward shelter workers and law enforcement personnel.
“This is not just about statistics. This is also about how people feel when they walk through our streets, ride transit or visit public spaces,” McLellan added.
Social Disorder Also on the Rise
Incidents of social disorder such as disturbance calls, issues with unwanted guests, and drug-related concerns have also hit a six-year high, reflecting growing challenges in maintaining public safety.
Summary
Calgary police intensified downtown patrols to confront a surge in violent crime and social disorder, combining law enforcement with community support to improve public safety and address citizen concerns.