Calgary Police Arrest 20 in Downtown Enforcement Blitz
On Wednesday, dozens of Calgary police officers, transit peace officers, and social agency workers took part in a major enforcement campaign throughout the city’s downtown core.
Operation Order: A Joint Initiative
Standing before a group of uniformed officers and partner agencies, Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan declared that
“enough is enough.”
This marked her first major public initiative since assuming office earlier in the year. The operation, titled “Operation Order,” is part of the broader “Safer Calgary” program and aims to curb both crime and social disorder in the downtown area.
Widespread Enforcement
Teams of officers and outreach workers focused on key districts such as East Village, Stephen Avenue, and Century Gardens. Their mission combined enforcement with outreach—issuing tickets, making arrests, and linking at-risk individuals with necessary social services.
Arrests and Results
By mid-afternoon, authorities had carried out 20 arrests and laid criminal code charges. Officers also issued 77 summonses and acted on 180 outstanding warrants during the blitz.
Civil Impact
Among the first to be fined was Grant Robinson, who received a $120 ticket for littering a cigarette butt. He commented,
“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 observed officers as they patrolled alleys, transit stations, and public areas throughout the day.
Author’s Summary
Calgary’s new enforcement blitz, led by Chief Katie McLellan, combined law enforcement and social outreach to address downtown disorder, resulting in 20 arrests and hundreds of citations.