Photos courtesy Calgary Police Service
CALGARY, Alta., — The Calgary Police Service (CPS) continues its intensified crackdown on crime and social disorder, expanding its “Safer Calgary – Operation Order” beyond the downtown core to include several key transit hubs and commercial corridors.
In an operation that ran May 13, officers targeted the areas around the Chinook and Sunalta CTrain stations, as well as the 17 Avenue S.E. corridor, also known as International Avenue.
The initiative combines strategic patrols, focused enforcement, community outreach, and referrals to social support services. CPS worked closely with Calgary Community Standards, Calgary Transit Public Safety, and the Alberta Sheriffs to engage with individuals in the identified zones, connecting them with supports while enforcing laws around drug use, possession, trafficking, and violent offences.
Chief Katie McLellan delivered a stark message following the operation, acknowledging ongoing public anxiety about safety.
“I continue to hear how people do not feel safe in certain parts of Calgary. We cannot have this,” said Chief McLellan. “We are here and we will be back to continue to protect and serve our community. Social disorder and criminal behaviour will not define this city. We will do our job, with our partners, to keep Calgary safe.”
The operation marks a clear shift in strategy—balancing law enforcement with a push to address root causes of crime through social agency referrals.
Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, praised the collaborative approach, stating that the operation is already demonstrating results.
“Every Calgarian deserves to feel safe in their community and in the public spaces they rely on every day,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “This operation shows the impact of strong collaboration between the Calgary Police Service and its partners, including Alberta Sheriffs, transit peace officers and social service agencies. By combining targeted enforcement with connection to supports, this coordinated effort is helping to address crime and social disorder, while reinforcing that Calgary’s public spaces are safe, respectful and welcoming for everyone.”
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence in shared spaces without abandoning vulnerable populations.
“Public safety, especially in our downtown, is top of mind for many Calgarians. We must work with our partners to restore confidence in our downtown, while ensuring we are compassionate to those vulnerable Calgarians who need support,” said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “I am proud of our Calgary Police Service, and the leadership of Chief McLellan, who understands the need to target both crime and, more importantly, the root causes of crime.”
Police officials say Operation Order will continue in the coming weeks, with further expansion expected to other high-needs areas across the city.
Quick stats
The numbers below reflect overall totals from the operation, and are inclusive of enforcement actions from the Calgary Police Service and our partner agencies.
- Calls attended: 421
- Persons charged: 10
- Charges laid: 33
- Four charges were for possession of drugs
- Four charges were weapons related
- 16 charges were for fail to comply with an undertaking, release order or breaches
- The remainder were for a variety of offences including: assault against a peace officer, obstruction, possession of identity documents, possession of property obtained by crime, and theft.
- Summonses issued: 327
- Warrants executed: 308
- Proactive community engagements: 497
- Social support referrals: 215
Operation highlights
- On Stephen Avenue, one of our officers connected with a newcomer to Calgary seeking information on local supports. The officer provided guidance, directions and shared information about services available to Calgarians.
- We located a woman passed out in her vehicle in the middle of downtown rush hour traffic. The woman appeared to be on drugs and EMS was called to check on her well-being. She was arrested and will be charged with impaired driving.
- A man was taken into custody on suspicion of drug trafficking near the Drop-In Centre. Upon searching him, officers located brass knuckles. He is being charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
- Within minutes of each other, officers located two men leaving the Real Canadian Superstore in the East Village with stolen items. Officers engaged with store security and recovered the stolen items.
- Transit Public Safety officers located three individuals they have previously interacted with, who were found to have a total of 53 outstanding warrants related to disorder offences on transit property. They were arrested and referred to Community Court.
- Calgary Transit officers in the core located a suspect we were looking for in relation to multiple assaults at a shopping mall. Transit officers located the suspect walking into traffic on Macleod Trail and detained him. He has been transferred to CPS custody and is facing additional charges as well as outstanding warrants.
- While patrolling, Calgary Transit officers came across a young female who was using drugs near the City Hall CTrain Station. During their interaction, officers learned she was the victim of human trafficking. Bylaw officers offered her resources and supports and referred her to Calgary Community Standards’ outreach team. We have also referred this to the ALERT Human Trafficking & Counter Exploitation Unit for further resources and support.
- Calgary Transit peace officers patrolling the Centre Street CTrain Station observed a woman openly using drugs on the platform. The woman is known to officers and was wanted on eight outstanding criminal and bylaw warrants. She was taken into custody and released on an appearance order to attend Community Court.
