The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has deployed twenty-five new Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) officers in an effort to address social disorder in the city, with a focus on transit lines and high system users. The presence of these officers has led to a significant decrease in transit-related social disorder calls, down by 42 per cent. The CERT officers work proactively to connect individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction with the necessary services and supports. They collaborate with social service agencies to address addiction and mental health issues, working to change behavior and reduce social disorder in the city.
Superintendent Scott Boyd with CPS explains that CERT officers are assigned to specific districts to build relationships with high system users in those areas, with a higher number of patrols on transit. By tracking crimes and social disorder elements on a hotspot map in accordance with CTrain lines, officers can effectively target problem areas. The program has shown success in areas like the Chinook district, where social disorder has decreased significantly since the deployment of CERT officers. The goal is to reduce the number of social disorder calls received by Calgary police each day and to connect individuals in need with appropriate resources.
CERT officers have the authority to issue bylaw tickets and may assist in dismantling encampments to identify criminal offenses like drugs or weapons. However, the primary focus is on proactive measures and changing behavior, with tickets being used as a last resort. Collaborating with organizations like Alpha House in downtown Calgary has enhanced the services provided to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction. Understanding the specific concerns of the public and determining whether they require a police response or a social service intervention has improved resource allocation and response effectiveness.
As winter approaches, the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) is once again launching its Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response to support Calgarians experiencing homelessness. Last year, the program set up warming centers to provide individuals with a safe place to warm up and charge cell phones, leading to thousands of visits and transports to the centers. The CHF hopes to build upon these numbers this year and provide additional support to those in need. Bo Masterson of the CHF acknowledges the coordinated response by the city to address homelessness and emphasizes the importance of providing alternative solutions to shelters for individuals seeking warmth and safety during the cold weather.
The complexity of managing mental health calls and behavioral challenges has increased, requiring a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety of individuals on the street. Organizations like Alpha House continue to adapt their services to address the changing needs of the community and work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide holistic support. By focusing on proactive measures, connecting individuals with resources, and targeting problem areas, the CPS and its CERT officers aim to reduce social disorder in Calgary and improve the overall well-being of the community. Building relationships, understanding the root causes of social disorder, and providing timely interventions are key components of this collaborative effort.
