Strengthening Our City Together
The Calgary Police Service, in partnership with the City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta, and social agencies, is dedicated to improving public safety in areas known for social disorder and crime, particularly downtown and along transit routes.
Focused Operations and Supportive Initiatives
Efforts target issues such as open-air drug use, drug trafficking, and other unsafe behaviors. While enforcement of existing laws and bylaws is essential, it is only part of a broader strategy.
The CPS collaborates closely with partners to address the underlying causes of these problems.
Community Safety Concerns
"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."
In 2025, Calgary has reached a six-year peak in downtown violence, with a 20% rise above the five-year average. About 75% of disorder calls downtown involve unwanted guests, disturbances, indecent acts, and drug-related incidents.
Expectations and Enforcement
Public spaces must be used for their intended purposes, and the city will enforce these standards when necessary. Behaviors that threaten safety or cause fear are unacceptable.
Compassion and services guide the approach, but enforcement remains a vital part of ensuring safety.
Author’s Summary
Calgary is actively addressing rising downtown social disorder through a combined approach of enforcement, partnership, and support to restore safe public spaces.