The “Operation Order” police sweeps in Calgary to target disorder in the city’s downtown core and now beyond. And they continue to be lauded as successes. Calgary Police Service officers were joined Wednesday by Calgary Community Standards, Calgary Transit Public Safety and the Alberta Sheriffs in the downtown core, East Village, near Chinook Centre and in Forest Lawn along 17th Avenue S.E. It was the first time Operation Order ventured out of the core. On Thursday, police released final numbers related to Wednesday’s efforts. Police said 421 total calls were attended, resulting in 10 individuals receiving 33 charges. Charges included possession of drugs, weapons, failures to comply with undertakings or release orders and more. Officers also issued 327 summonses and executed 308 warrants, and performed 497 proactive community engagements and 215 social support referrals. Police have said the aim of Operation Order is to “proactively engage with people in the identified areas, connecting them with supports and, where necessary, enforcing laws and bylaws.” Previous sweeps took place downtown this past November and February. “I continue to hear how people do not feel safe in certain parts of Calgary. We cannot have this,” CPS Chief Katie McLellan said. “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.” In Thursday’s release, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed his pride in the local police force—and in its chief. He said McLellan “understands the need to target both crime and, more importantly, the root causes of crime.” “Public safety, especially in our downtown, is top of mind for many Calgarians,” Farkas said. “We must work with our partners to restore confidence in our downtown while ensuring we are compassionate to those vulnerable Calgarians who need support.”
