Calgary police respond to more than 1,600 calls for transit enforcement

Calgary police have responded to more than 1,600 calls for service on public transit since introducing proactive enforcement just over two weeks ago.

There were 70 weapons-related calls in that time period, affecting 55 arrest warrants and resulting in 391 Criminal Code charges, according to police.

All clear at Sunnyside as Calgarians make their way to work. One person we spoke with talked about how he has been worried about kids and dogs who might come across drug paraphernalia. Station is looking clean this morning thanks to @calgarytransit pic.twitter.com/rQ1E1Va1xg

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) April 26, 2023

In a social media thread Wednesday, police indicated 70 per cent of the calls for service stemmed from officer-viewed situations.

Charges laid since earlier this month have most commonly involved breach of probation order, failure to comply with release orders or undertaking, unauthorized possession of an identity document and possession of drugs.

The top five Criminal Code charges laid in the past week are: 1) Breach of probation order 2) Fail to comply with release order 3) Fail to comply with undertaking 4) (Unauthorized) possession of an identity document 5) Possession of drugs pic.twitter.com/G6b8otGUSO

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) April 26, 2023

The decision to introduce additional officers to CTrain stations was made follow several incidents challenging the safety of residents.

A plan announced by the city earlier this month said the number of contracted security guards at stations will reach 24 by the end of the month.

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Read more: Calgary Transit action plan to address safety | CityNews Calgary

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In addition, have been more overnight patrols, and police officers have been paired with community peace officers seven nights a week — an increase from four.

Peace officers have been redeployed to transit areas of “high concern” along the downtown CTrain track.

The city says peace officers will be sent to observe “suspicious behaviour or gatherings” to have a uniformed presence and to deescalate any notions of violence.

-With files from Alejandro Melgar