Safer Calgary
Strengthening Our City Together
The Calgary Police Service (CPS), in coordination with the City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta, and social agencies, is dedicated to improving public safety in areas identified as hot spots for disorder and crime, especially downtown and along transit corridors.
Joint Actions and Focus Areas
Through targeted operations and supportive programs, the CPS addresses issues such as open-air drug use, trafficking, and other unsafe behaviours. While enforcing laws and bylaws remains important, CPS emphasizes that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.
“We are working closely with and relying on our partners to help address the root causes of the behaviour.”
Public Safety and Community Confidence
Public spaces should remain safe, respectful, and open for everyone. However, many residents have expressed feeling unsafe in city areas. In 2025, downtown Calgary recorded the highest level of violence in six years, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the five-year average.
- Unwanted guests and disturbances
- Indecent acts
- Drug-related service calls
These incidents collectively account for about 75 percent of disorder-related calls in the city centre.
Community Expectations and Enforcement
Public spaces are intended to be used properly, and CPS will enforce these expectations as needed. There is no place in Calgary for actions that endanger safety or spread fear.
“While compassion and services lead our approach, enforcement remains a critical component of maintaining public safety.”
Author’s Summary
The Calgary Police Service works collaboratively with community and government partners to curb downtown disorder, balancing compassion with enforcement to restore safety and trust.