Dozens of Calgary police officers, transit peace officers, and social agency workers filled the city’s downtown on Wednesday as part of an extensive safety operation.
Standing before a large group of uniformed officers and agency partners, Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan stated that:
“Enough is enough.”
This marked her first major public initiative since becoming chief earlier this year. The campaign, titled “Operation Order,” is a wide-reaching enforcement effort under the broader “Safer Calgary” strategy aimed at addressing crime and public disorder in central Calgary.
The coordinated action focused on key downtown locations such as East Village, Stephen Avenue, and Century Gardens. Officers and social service teams were tasked with enforcing laws, issuing tickets, making arrests, and connecting vulnerable residents with assistance programs.
By mid-afternoon, police reported 20 arrests and multiple criminal code charges, along with 77 summonses and actions on 180 outstanding warrants. One of the first fined was Grant Robinson, who received a $120 penalty for discarding a cigarette butt. He told reporters:
“This is gonna stop me for probably another month because I have to pay it. I won’t be able to save money because I have to give the government money.”
Reporters accompanied officers as they patrolled back alleys and transit platforms throughout the downtown area.
A major downtown Calgary police action called “Operation Order” led to 20 arrests and over 250 enforcement actions, aiming to reduce crime and connect residents with social supports.