What we can all do to make our communities safer and better:
If you see crime happen, call the Calgary City Police. Serious crimes or crimes-in-progress should be reported to 9-1-1, but if you have a non-urgent report or concern, contact the Community Liaison Officer in the police district which serves your community (see http://www.calgarypolice.ca/districts/map.html for a map of police districts, and their phone numbers). The police department also supports a citizens’ on-line report system for less serious crimes. The police website has a crime map where you can see where crimes were reported in your neighbourhood and what kinds of crimes they were.
Bylaw violations can be reported by calling 3-1-1. Some Ward 9 communities have done Community Bylaw Sweeps together, where on an appointed day, residents wander the streets and alleys together with notepads, and make lists of bylaw violations (e.g. unpainted homes, graffiti, broken fences, garbage in yards, high grass, etc.). This is a very efficient way to collectively address problem properties in a neighbourhood. Please contact Bylaw Services in advance of your sweep, to advise them of your plans and to find out how best to communicate your list to them. For information on what constitute bylaw violations and contact information, please visit: http://content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Municipal+Government/Bylaws/Bylaw+Services.htm
Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN)
The provincial Safer Communities and Neighbourhood Act (SCAN) promotes community safety by cleaning up properties that negatively affect health, safety or security in a neighbourhood. SCAN allows Albertans to take back their neighbourhoods by reporting problem residences and buildings. SCAN will target properties used for illegal activities such as drugs, gangs, and prostitution, and will also hold property owners accountable for what takes place on their property. If there’s a suspicious property in your neighborhood, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Please call Alberta Sheriffs SCAN teams immediately, toll free at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226). A SCAN complaint form is also available on-line . Simply submit the form and a member of the SCAN team will contact you.
Community Clean-ups happen in many Ward 9 neighbourhoods – usually in the springtime. Check the link to your neighbourhood on this site to see when yours is happening. Community clean-ups are a great way to make a dramatic difference in how your community looks in just one day of collective effort. It’s a great way to meet other people in your neighbourhood too!