The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has deployed twenty-five new Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) officers to address social disorder in the city. Launched in April, the team has been focusing on transit lines and high system users. Data shows that their presence has been effective, with transit-related social disorder calls from the public down by 42 per cent. The goal of the program is to take a proactive approach, working alongside social service agencies to connect people experiencing homelessness and addiction with the services and supports available to them. Officers are assigned to specific districts to build relationships with high system users in those areas, with a higher number of patrols on transit routes to address social disorder elements.
Superintendent Scott Boyd with CPS explains that once it is determined that criminality is not involved in a call, CERT officers are able to step in and address addiction or mental health issues with the individual. Boyd mentions that the Chinook area is an example of where the program has been successful in reducing social disorder. Since the launch of CERT officers in April, CPS has been able to deploy them effectively, leading to a decrease in public calls related to social disorder and an increase in officer calls for service. Boyd highlights the importance of getting individuals connected to social agencies or healthcare services to make a significant difference in the number of daily calls for service for the police force and partner agencies.
CERT officers have the authority to issue bylaw tickets and are involved in dismantling encampments to identify criminal offenses such as drugs or weapons. However, the primary goal of the program is to work proactively to change behavior, with the use of tickets considered a last resort. Shaundra Bruvall from Alpha House in downtown Calgary mentions that although they do not partner specifically with CERT, collaboration with the police has enhanced their services. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of public calls for concern to determine if a police or social service response is more appropriate, especially in cases involving mental health issues and behavioral challenges.
As the weather cools, the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) is launching its Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response program to support individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter. Last year, the program provided warming centers as alternatives to transit stations for individuals to warm up and charge cell phones. With 27,000 visits to the centers, 2,500 transports to warming stations, and 2,600 individuals reached through the program, CHF aims to build upon these numbers this year. Bo Masterson of CHF notes that the coordinated response to homelessness and cold weather is the most organized he has seen in the city, acknowledging that shelters are not ideal solutions but often a last resort for individuals seeking warmth and support during extreme weather conditions.
Overall, the collaboration between CERT officers, social service agencies, and organizations like Alpha House and the Calgary Homeless Foundation is proving effective in addressing social disorder, homelessness, and related challenges in Calgary. By taking a proactive and collaborative approach, these organizations are working towards providing individuals in need with the necessary resources and support to address their issues and improve their quality of life. As the winter approaches, the focus on extreme weather response and support for those experiencing homelessness becomes even more critical, with efforts being made to ensure that individuals have access to safe and warm spaces during the colder months. The commitment to addressing these issues in a coordinated and proactive manner demonstrates a strong dedication to the well-being and safety of all residents in Calgary.
