Provincial pilot project to add 12 sheriffs to Calgary's downtown core
CBC
There's going to be an increased presence of law enforcement in Calgary's inner city over the next few months.
On Tuesday, the provincial government announced a 12-week pilot project where they are sending a dozen Alberta Sheriffs to Calgary's downtown core.
It's part of an initiative created in partnership with the Calgary Police Service. The sheriffs are intended to help prevent crime and respond to an increasing level of social disorder in the inner city, officials said.
"This initiative increases public safety by putting more eyes and ears in neighbourhoods where they're needed and creates a more visible officer presence that will help deter crime while connecting vulnerable Albertans to the supports they need," said Mike Ellis, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
The 12 sheriffs will be assigned to work with existing CPS beat and bike teams. Data identifying crime and social disorder hotspots will be used to place sheriffs.
"Through many conversations with Calgarians and the business community, we have clearly heard the need to take further action around public safety," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek, in a statement.
"These additional resources will help connect people to the services they require, creating a safer, more supportive environment for all." Following the program's end in late May, law enforcement officials will evaluate the project before deciding on next steps.
NDP Municipal Affairs Critic Joe Ceci says the program will do nothing to affect the underlying issues creating disorder in downtown Calgary.
"While an increased presence of law enforcement will be helpful in some situations, it does not address the root causes of the challenges facing our city," he said.
Ceci noted that Calgary's downtown core continues to struggle with high vacancy rates, concerns about safety, and a perceived lack of vibrancy. "The UCP has offered next to nothing to support the revitalization of downtown Calgary," he said. "In fact, they've made a bad situation worse through the downloading of costs onto municipalities while refusing to build affordable housing or provide funding for supportive housing units." Ceci previously served as an alderman on the Calgary City Council.