Calgary Police conducts ‘Operation Order’ blitz

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) and other safety partners undertook another Operation Order blitz Wednesday, sweeping the city’s downtown and surrounding areas in a bid to increase public safety.

CPS says over 70 referrals to social services were made, at least six people were charged with criminal code offences and over 140 calls for service were attended to.

Wednesday’s blitz follows one done back in November 2025, where 40 charges were laid against 25 people, and over 100 referrals were made to social services as well as over 200 calls for service.

“I saw less unhoused people today than I did in November,” said CPS Chief Katie McLellan.

Calgary’s police chief says while indicators show crime is trending down in the city’s downtown since November, CPS understand people’s perceptions of crime and of police’s operations may not necessarily reflect the downward trend.

“This is not a one-day operation, this is a sustained commitment, to restoring safety and order in our public spaces,” she added.

“The idea isn’t to be throwing people in jail or just to be giving them fines because we are not fixing the root cause we are not fixing the problem,” said Deputy Chief Cliff O’Brien. “One of the great parts of this community court is that they could go there and they can — the subject who receives the fine — can actually go there and talk about what’s actually the root cause.”

While some experts say police and their partners are moving in the right direction, it should be part of a more co-ordinated and sustained effort among social service providers and members of the criminal justice system.

“Ensuring that when we have crimes going to the prosecution that they do pursue those charges, and that the courts do consider the importance of sentencing and that we have social groups and centres and other places have their doors open all the time,” said Kelly Sundberg, Criminal Justice Professor, Mount Royal University.

Other operations conducted in Calgary included one in March 2025, and ‘Jingle All the Way’ in December, which focused on Chinook LRT Station.