Safer Calgary
Strengthening Our City Together
The Calgary Police Service, alongside the City of Calgary, Government of Alberta, and social agency partners, is dedicated to improving public safety in areas known for social disorder and crime, especially downtown and along transit routes.
Focused Efforts on Key Issues
Through targeted operations and supportive programs, the focus is on tackling open-air drug use, drug trafficking, and other dangerous behaviors. Enforcement of existing laws and bylaws is part of the approach but is only one aspect of a broader strategy.
Public spaces are meant to be safe, respectful and welcoming for everyone, and right now, our community is telling us they don’t feel safe in our public spaces.
Addressing Root Causes with Partners
The CPS is collaborating closely with partners to identify and address the root causes behind these behaviors, recognizing that enforcement alone cannot resolve the issues.
Current Challenges in Calgary
- Violence downtown has reached a six-year high, with a 20% increase compared to the five-year average.
- Unwanted guests, disturbances, indecent acts, and drug-related calls make up about 75% of disorder calls in 2025 within the city centre.
Enforcement and Expectations
Public spaces must serve their intended purposes, and enforcement will be applied as needed to uphold safety. Behaviors that threaten safety or instill fear have no place in the city.
While compassion and services lead our approach, enforcement remains a critical component of maintaining public safety.
Author's summary: Calgary is enhancing public safety by combining enforcement with compassionate services, addressing both immediate issues and the deeper causes of social disorder downtown and around transit routes.