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News & Events
Our Mission:
"To optimize public safety
in the City of Calgary"
Police Advisor
Fall 2000 Edition
Chief's Message
Understanding the needs and expectations of Calgarians is an important part of successful community policing. To determine the issues most important to our communities, the Calgary Police Service conducts community surveys on a regular basis. The results of our 2000 survey have just been compiled. Citizens are most concerned about house break-ins, speeding and other traffic-related concerns, gang activity, vandalism, stolen vehicles and drug law enforcement.
As we head into a new year of community policing, the Calgary Police Service will continue to demonstrate its commitment to these priorities through programs and initiatives directed at your top policing concerns. In this issue of Police Advisor, you'll find a variety of articles dealing with these areas of concern.
Reducing house break-ins
The front page story of this issue responds to Calgarians' top policing concern by providing valuable suggestions to help keep your home and family safe and secure. One-third of those surveyed consider house break-ins the top policing priority citywide, and nearly half feel house break-ins are the top concern in neighbourhoods.
The Calgary Police Service continues to target house break-ins through crime prevention programs and by focusing our investigations on repeat offenders. As a result, we are clearing more house break-in cases this year, and anticipate one-third fewer house break-ins this year compared to last year.
Improving traffic safety
Two pages in this issue have been devoted to traffic safety. Calgarians' top traffic safety concern is speeding - it was the problem mentioned second most frequently by those surveyed. As our roadways become more congested, the importance of traffic safety will increase. This winter, we are installing automated red light enforcement cameras at high collision intersections to encourage motorists to stop for red lights.
Committed to youth safety
The Calgary Police Service has successfully dealt with many youth safety issues in recent years, and our commitment to youth will continue. Overall, youth safety continues to be noted as an important issue by Calgarians, both citywide and in neighbourhoods. This issue of Police Advisor includes Internet safety tips and an article highlighting TEAMS - a new program that will help build connections between police, university athletes and young students in Calgary.
Improving police response
Auto theft and vandalism were also among Calgarians' top concerns. Auto theft was identified as a significant neighbourhood problem by 14 per cent of those surveyed. Auto theft investigations have become increasingly complex in recent years, and police are responding through targeted programs aimed at reducing auto theft in Calgary. Watch for more information relating to this important citizen concern in the spring 2001 issue of Police Advisor.
Concern about vandalism has increased consistently since 1995, and was noted in our survey as an important neighbourhood issue by 26 per cent of citizens. The majority of vandalism complaints involve graffiti. The joint City of Calgary/Calgary Police Service Graffiti Awareness and Abatement Project (GAAP) is responding to graffiti vandalism by encouraging Calgarians to record, report and remove it. An article reporting the progress of GAAP this year appears here.
Meeting community needs
Through community surveys, police gain an understanding of the issues of concern to Calgarians. They are just one of the ways we consult with local communities to ensure our business objectives reflect your needs. Visit our Web site at www.calgarypolice.ca for more information on issues that matter to Calgarians. In the meantime, if you would like to provide information or feedback regarding police performance and priorities in Calgary, e-mail us at: cps@calgarypolice.ca.
Lock Up to Protect Yourself From Break-ins
The Wilsons* were returning from a pleasant vacation in Eastern Canada. As they mounted the steps at the back of their southwest Calgary home, the rejuvenation of a few weeks off came to an abrupt end. The glass in their back door was shattered, and bad weather had found its way into the couple's kitchen - leaving more than just a dirty mess to clean up.
The Wilsons were victims of house break-ins three times in three years, but this was the worst. Culprits had taken the time to go through everything, stealing appliances, a computer and electronic equipment along with cash and personal valuables.
"It was devastating," says Anne Wilson. "When someone invades the sanctuary you've created for your family, you feel personally attacked. It takes a long time to feel safe in your home again."
The Wilsons are not alone. In 1999, house break-ins increased by 11.7 per cent in Calgary and were the top concern noted by Calgarians responding to a recent Police Service community survey.
Police work to reduce break-ins
In the past few years, police have increased their focus on break-ins. "Officers investigating house break-ins are focusing on individuals with records of multiple offences," says Constable Gerry Bailey, Crime Prevention Unit, Calgary Police Service.
Targeted efforts have helped police clear, or solve, more break-ins - from 19.6 per cent in 1998 to 25 per cent in 1999. In 2000, police expect to clear nearly 30 per cent of break-ins. At the same time, police efforts are helping to reduce reported break-ins by a third this year compared to 1999.
Lock your garage
One day this fall, while John Dafoe* was raking leaves in his backyard, he heard a loud noise from inside his empty house. He ran around to the front yard where he'd left the garage door open. He realized immediately that something was wrong. The access door to the house from the garage was open. He clearly recalled leaving it closed.
Dafoe immediately called police, but the culprit had already fled on a mountain bike left unlocked inside the garage - and had taken with him a lap top computer, camera equipment and Dafoe's wallet.
Dafoe had made a costly - and common - mistake. Police have identified open or unlocked garage doors as a common contributing factor in house break-ins. An open garage door allows criminals to "window shop" for articles worth stealing.
If the garage is attached, as in Dafoe's case, an open garage door may provide easy access to the house. "Whether you are at home or not, always keep your doors locked - including garage doors. Garages are a favourite target for burglars," says Constable Bailey.
Preventing the high cost of house break-ins
While house break-ins do not usually result in physical harm to victims, they do have serious repercussions. Victims are forced to deal with a decreased sense of security, feelings of violation, financial losses from property theft and increased insurance rates.
But by being aware of the specific factors that contribute to house break-ins, homeowners can take steps to reduce the likelihood of a crime occurring. Locking up is the first step. If the doors and windows of your home are locked, and the doors are strong enough to resist a quick kick, a culprit will probably look for an easier target.
Since the rash of break-ins at their home, the Wilsons have increased security to reduce their risk of another break-in. The Wilsons' home has an enclosed back patio that is not visible from the street, with windows that are easy to reach. Ideally, problem areas like this should be avoided when a home is designed, says Constable Bailey.
The idea of designing out problem areas is part of the Calgary Police Service's Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program (CPTED). "CPTED uses design features in homes and properties to reduce the opportunities for crimes to occur," he says.
By applying some design suggestions, homeowners can reduce the risk of a break-in. For example:
- Use walkways and landscaping to direct visitors to the main entrance and away from private areas.
- Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back from windows and doors to improve visibility.
- Install outside lights to brighten dark areas around doors or windows.
- Remove yard clutter, such as gardening tools, which could be used to break into the house, and keep your yard maintained to give the house a lived-in appearance.
- Avoid landscaping that could conceal criminals (for example, keep fencing and hedges low along property lines).
- Use thorny plants along fence lines and below vulnerable windows.
- Keep blinds open during daylight hours to allow a clear view around your property.
Review home security
Constable Bailey also suggests homeowners review the security features in their home. Residents who buy newly built homes may benefit from upgrading the home security features provided by the builder for doors, door frames, windows and locks. Older homes may have been built with good quality features, but new products come on the market all the time that may improve security.
"Outside doors and frames should be made of solid wood or steel, and frames should fit snugly against the door. Glass in outside doors should be at least 40 inches from the lock or be unbreakable, and all outside doors should be secured with deadbolt locks," says Constable Bailey.
The Crime Prevention Unit has developed a home security checklist that provides many important considerations for homeowners. "It's a very good home evaluation that provides the minimum levels of security we suggest homeowners consider," Constable Bailey says. The checklist can be picked up at district offices. It will also be available later this winter through the Calgary Police Service Web site at www.calgarypolice.ca.
An active community program like Block Watch can reduce the number of break-ins in a neighbourhood. "Block Watch adds to community cohesion. It's a great way for neighbours to get together to promote community safety," says Don Fisherman, Executive Director of Block Watch.
Over the past few years, Block Watch has been through a successful revitalization process. As a result, says Fisherman, the number of communities with active programs has increased dramatically - from 42 in the mid-1990s to 106 in 2000. In addition, the reorganization of Block Watch has led to a closer partnership between communities and police in the effort to reduce crime. To join or start a Block Watch program, call 509-2565.
Some happy endings
In many cases, victims of break-ins never see their stolen property again. While John Dafoe's property was never recovered, the Wilsons were able to claim many of their lost valuables located by police.
"I was so happy when they found my lost jewelry. You can replace a computer or a stereo, but it would have been impossible for me to replace my jewelry. I was very grateful to the police for their support," Wilson says.
* Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the victims.
Prevent Fraud - Protect Your Cash and Credit Cards
There are many ways to discover you've become a victim of fraud . . . Your credit card statement shows charges you don't recognize . . . The person you trusted with your ATM card has taken the money and run . . . A cheque you deposited bounces and you can't find the person who wrote it . . .
Credit card, ATM card and cheque fraud are all common crimes in Calgary. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to be cautious, says Staff Sergeant Vic deBruyn, Commercial Crime Unit, Calgary Police Service.
"Maintain good records and know how much money is in your accounts. Know where your cards are and be vigilant in tracking them. In the area of fraud, culprits are only hindered by their imagination, and there doesn't seem to be a lack of it," he says.
Bouncing cheques is illegal
Many people don't realize it is against the law to write a cheque when you know the funds are not available or the account has been closed. Police investigate numerous occurrences of cheque fraud.
To avoid writing cheques without sufficient funds, ensure your accounts have overdraft protection and keep track of your financial situation. To avoid receiving them, don't accept a cheque without enough identification. "People should do whatever they can to protect themselves. You just cannot accept a person's word that the money will be there because, if it isn't, it's coming out of your pocket," Staff Sergeant DeBruyn says.
Watch your plastic
When it comes to plastic, people are often victimized through lost cards, ATM cards with easy passwords, or through the counterfeiting of a credit card that is temporarily out of their hands. "People have to maintain contact with their credit cards, which can be difficult in retail situations and restaurants. In some situations, information is copied and a counterfeit card is made," says Staff Sergeant deBruyn.
To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, only carry cards you will actually need. Regularly check your wallet to ensure your cards are there, and ensure you replace them following a transaction. Also, use an uncommon password and, if you write it down for safekeeping, store it in a secure location.
If you discover a card is missing, cancel it immediately. "This is critical, because if you report a lost credit card, you're usually only responsible for the next $50. But if you don't know your card is missing, the spending can go on until it's run up to the max," Staff Sergeant deBruyn says.
Driver Error Causes Most Collisions
Shelley Billings* was shuffling through her purse as she sped along Sarcee Trail toward the Bow Trail intersection in southwest Calgary. Her sons were arguing in the back of the mini-van, and the family was already late for a dinner date. Distracted as she was, Billings didn't notice the traffic light turn yellow. By the time she entered the intersection, the light was red, and she didn't see the station wagon crossing her path until seconds before she broadsided it.
That night, the Billings family's life changed forever. Fortunately, no one was killed in the collision, but the Billings family and the other driver involved are still recovering from their injuries. Shelley Billings struggles to recover emotionally as well as physically. "I've had a difficult time coping with the fact that the collision was my fault. It was careless of me to do anything other than focus on the road," she says.
OVER 400 PEOPLE ARE KILLED AND 23,000 ARE INJURED IN SOME 90,000 MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS IN ALBERTA EACH YEAR.
Billings has become a more attentive driver as a result of her collision, but some people don't get a second chance. Each year in Alberta over 400 people are killed and 23,000 are injured in some 90,000 motor vehicle collisions. Calgary faced 30,466 collisions in 1999, 3,722 of which caused injuries. The health care cost of these injuries was $13 million.
"Traffic collisions cost Albertans $10 million every day and more than $3.8 billion a year. Most of these collisions could have been prevented if drivers thought more about what they are doing behind the wheel," says Glen Jakubowski, Coalition of Alberta Auto Insurers.
Collision costs high
Beyond dollar figures, the emotional and physical costs of a collision can be painfully high for victims and their families. As Calgary continues to grow, the potential for collisions increases. According to the 2000 civic census, 50 people move to Calgary daily, adding 47 vehicles to the city's roads, and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
A group of local agencies has teamed up to help reduce the number and severity of collisions. The first traffic safety program of its kind in Alberta, Operation Collision Reduction began in 1999. It involves the key organizations with a stake in traffic safety: the City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, Calgary Regional Health Authority (CRHA), Coalition of Alberta Auto Insurers (CAAI), and the Alberta Trucking Industry Safety Association (ATISA) - all members of the Mission Possible Traffic Safety partnership.
Operation Collision Reduction focuses on improving traffic safety in three key areas: engineering, education and enforcement.
Engineering efforts have centred on revising road design at high collision locations to help drivers make safe choices. "The City of Calgary has implemented a number of strategies to manage traffic and create a roadway environment that encourages safe driving behaviour. But ultimately, it's up to drivers to obey the rules of the road," says Bob Holmes, recently retired Executive Officer, Land Use and Mobility.
To educate Calgarians about some situations that may lead to collisions, a public awareness campaign ran earlier this fall reminding citizens that "red means stop." The campaign was designed to reduce collisions in Calgary by encouraging motorists to obey traffic lights and stop signs.
Red light cameras aim to reduce collisions
"Disobeying traffic signs or signals is frequently a contributing factor in collisions," says Inspector Vince Caleffi, Calgary Police Service Traffic Section. According to Alberta Infrastructure statistics, driver error was the cause of more than 89 per cent of collisions in 1999. Driver error includes disobeying traffic signs or signals, following too closely, or making unsafe left turns across traffic.
To improve traffic safety, police use a variety of strategies at key locations in Calgary, including laser/radar enforcement, photo radar and patrol officers stopping motorists for traffic infractions. Enforcement at intersections will increase when the first automated red light cameras are installed this winter. "We may be breaking ground in November, but we have no control over some factors and the weather is one of them," Inspector Caleffi says.
Inspector Caleffi points out that the goal of police enforcement efforts is to ensure drivers pay close attention to the rules of the road. "The laws are there for everyone's safety. Collisions can be avoided if we can get drivers to obey traffic rules. That includes applying the brakes instead of the gas when a light goes red."
All drivers should remember to leave a safe distance between their vehicle and the car in front of them to ensure they have time to react when a traffic light changes. "Never assume the driver in front of you will go through a yellow light," says Inspector Caleffi. Overall, you can reduce collisions by following the messages of the Operation Collision Reduction campaign: slow down, focus on the road, and remember - red means stop.
* Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
Speeding Increases Risk of Collision
As far as bumper stickers go, many of us have favourites: My karma ran over your dogma; Live your dreams; If you can read this you're driving too close . . . one message spotted on the back of a slow-moving semi-trailer headed west on Hwy. 1 said: Conserve energy, preserve life: 90 km/h.
Whatever the posted speed limit, some people feel the need to exceed it. What many speeders may not realize is that speeding just a little can increase the risk of collision and the potential for injury. It also results in higher fuel consumption at a time when fuel prices in Calgary are reaching record highs. In a recent Calgary Police Service survey speeding was the crime and safety problem mentioned second most frequently. In addition, there is a close link between speeding and the seriousness of collisions. Increasing your speed by just 10 km/h can make the difference between whether a collision causes broken bumpers or broken bones.
Slow down in snow
As winter takes hold in Calgary, it's a good time to consider whether you'll get there faster by speeding, or whether you'll get there at all. "Speeding is one of the leading contributors in a large percentage of collisions," says Inspector Vince Caleffi, head of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section.
Drivers are reminded that posted speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions. In winter driving conditions, it is even more important to slow down. "Stopping distances increase,and there are increased dangers associated with rapid lane changes or rapid acceleration," says Inspector Caleffi.
THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FACTOR FOR DRIVERS TO REMEMBER IS THAT ANY AMOUNT OF SPEEDING CAN HAVE CONSEQUENCES ON TRAFFIC SAFETY.
Calgary's growing traffic volume has increased the potential for collisions. "Calgarians love their vehicles - we have more vehicles per capita than many cities of similar size," says Keith Brooks, Calgary Police Service Traffic Analyst.
When the traffic around you is speeding, rather than "going with the flow," police encourage drivers to help initiate a safer flow of traffic by driving within the posted limit, at a speed that is safe for the conditions.
Police are most concerned about drivers who travel substantially faster than the posted limit or excessively fast for conditions, says Inspector Caleffi. "We focus a lot of our enforcement efforts on school and playground zones for the safety of children, and on roadways with notable collision rates."
Report problem areas
Another way drivers can increase traffic safety is to report problem areas to police. The Photo Radar Unit will respond to general speeding problems, and the Traffic Section maintains a database to track traffic requests sent in by citizens. "We respond to concerns about specific areas, and then follow those areas using our database to see if our response was effective," says Brooks.
Reporting problems may also improve traffic operations. "Some of the problems we hear about are related to traffic operations rather than driver offences. In other words, what's needed is a new traffic sign or signal. We send that type of information to the City of Calgary Traffic Operations," Brooks adds.
The most important safety factor for drivers to remember is that any amount of speeding can have consequences on traffic safety. To conserve energy and preserve life, drive safely - within the posted limit.
If you would like to report a city speeding problem, call the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section at 295-7900. To discuss a particular problem one-on-one, contact the Community Liaison Officer for your area at the nearest district office.
Police and Dinos Mentor Calgary Youth
A group of young students in a local gymnasium listens attentively as four older athletes talk about how, when they were in grade school, they overcame everything from being bullied to being overweight.
This isn't the standard classroom lesson, and these aren't teachers. They're part of TEAMS - a group of University of Calgary Dinos athletes who have come together to mentor young Calgary students.
TEAMS (Together Educating And Mentoring Students) is a pilot project run by the University of Calgary athletic department with support from the Calgary Police Service and sponsorship by Telus Mobility and Husky Energy. The project will launch this winter in seven northwest Calgary elementary schools and, if successful, could become a citywide program in the future.
"It's an opportunity for our athletes to talk to kids about the things they've gone through," says Kelly Almer, events supervisor with the University of Calgary athletic department. "Our goal is mentoring - to show kids the benefits of being in sport, of staying in school, of working toward goals and objectives, and of going to university - things that are positive for the individual, the community and everybody involved." The goal of mentoring is an important one, says Sergeant Art Prins with the Calgary Police Service's Youth Education and Intervention Unit. "Studies have shown that mentoring is important for kids, and in many cases, it may be the key to early intervention."
In this initial season, TEAMS will bring students in Grades 4 through 6 together with a police constable and athletes from the university men's and women's basketball, volleyball and hockey teams. The athletes will bring their team mascot for entertainment, along with prizes, team merchandise and complimentary tickets to Dinos sporting events.
In an assembly format, the Dinos athletes will demonstrate their sport to build excitement. Then the Calgary Police Service and the athletes will make short presentations on an issue affecting the school, such as bullying or peer pressure.
When the hard work is done, young students will have a chance to ask questions, and then they'll receive prizes, game tickets and team merchandise. "It's an opportunity for us to work with kids and to give something back to the community," says Almer.
Following the initial "icebreaker" event, the athletes may continue to provide mentoring. "They'll go back and give testimonials on issues they had when they were going through school, and explain how they overcame obstacles - like bullying, peer pressure, self-esteem issues or drugs," Sergeant Prins says.
"We are going in to the schools to make connections with younger students. Hopefully, we can show kids some of the alternatives to problems besides turning to gangs or violence or crime," says Almer.
Police Beetle Spreads Anti-Graffiti Message
It's a bird, it's a Beetle, it's . . . a canary yellow police car? This winter, heads are likely to turn as the Calgary Police Service's new graffiti abatement vehicle takes to the streets.
"It will be a fairly big eye-catcher. It's a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle that's a fully working police unit, but it's canary yellow," says Constable Marcel Dubois, Graffiti Intelligence Coordinator, Calgary Police Service.
The yellow Beetle, sponsored by Northland Volkswagen/Hyatt Auto Group in Calgary, will be used to heighten awareness of graffiti issues in Calgary. "We will take it around to schools and community groups, along with a presentation on graffiti awareness. It will also be on display in shopping malls and at auto shows," Constable Dubois says.
THE GRAFFITI AWARENESS AND ABATEMENT PROGRAM ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO HELP REDUCE GRAFFITI VANDALISM IN CALGARY BY RECORDING IT, REPORTING IT AND REMOVING IT.
The new vehicle takes to the streets on the heels of the first successful season of the Graffiti Awareness and Abatement Program (GAAP). The joint City of Calgary/Calgary Police Service project is made up of a number of programs that encourage citizens to help reduce graffiti vandalism in Calgary by recording it, reporting it and removing it.
One successful component, the Summer Patrol, employed city youth over the summer in graffiti awareness and abatement projects. "The Summer Patrol cleaned up 2,735 incidents of graffiti and reported an additional 995. Plus, they conducted 156 presentations to over 5,800 youth participants," says Constable Dubois.
Clean Teams, another successful initiative, involved volunteers from Western Canada High School. "Their efforts led to a noticeable reduction in graffiti vandalism along 17th Avenue S.W. Based on their success, we're starting a new team in Victoria Crossing using volunteers from St. Mary's High School," says Constable Dubois. This second Clean Team is expected to be working by the end of November.
Communities have also become active in graffiti abatement through the GAAP program. For example, the Queensland graffiti response team (known as GRIT) is a community-based initiative working to clean up graffiti in Queensland, Deer Run and Deer Ridge. "It's the first time a community has come together in this way in Calgary. Their efforts, along with GAAP's efforts during the summer, led to immediate success," Constable Dubois says.
The year 2000 was a pilot test for GAAP. Based on its success, Constable Dubois says the program is here to stay. The highly visible canary yellow Beetle will help promote the program.
Community concern about vandalism has increased consistently in Calgary since 1995. Based on the most current police community survey results, it is an important policing issue for Calgarians both in neighbourhoods and citywide. In addition, over 15 years of vandalism reports in Calgary demonstrate that approximately 95 per cent of vandalism reported is graffiti related.
To help clean up graffiti in your community contact Neil McCullagh, City GAAP Coordinator, at 268-8172. To report graffiti call the graffiti hotline at 221-3868. To provide information on graffiti offenders call Constable Marcel Dubois, Graffiti Intelligence Coordinator, Calgary Police Service, at 206-8324. For more information, check out the Calgary Police Service Web site at www.calgarypolice.ca.
Tips for Safe Internet Chats
We're all familiar with the childhood rhyme, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me!" The problem is, name-calling and threats sent over the Internet may seem harmless to the sender, but are taken seriously by police. With growing Internet access, the messages youths are sending have become a concern for city police.
"It is becoming more of an issue. You can make a joke in person, and people won't often take you seriously. But type something into the computer and it can come across quite differently. Kids need to be careful what they say over the Internet. They also need to realize that making a threat in an e-mail message or chat group means a lot more than it does in the schoolyard," says Constable Gerry Bailey, Crime Prevention Unit.
In fact, using any telecommunication device to issue a threat is a criminal code offence. "If I call you on the telephone and tell you I'm going to kill you, you can have me charged. It's very serious," Constable Bailey adds.
There's an even more important reason to choose your words wisely when you chat - abduction. "There were almost 800 abductions in North America last year related to the Internet, and it will probably get worse as Internet use increases," says Constable Bailey.
How do abductions result from Internet meetings? "When kids are on chat lines, they often give information about themselves. They don't realize they can become vulnerable to attempted abductions," Constable Bailey says.
In spite of the potential pitfalls, the Internet is a wonderful place to learn and explore. Parents can make the Internet as safe as possible by monitoring their children's time online.
To make this easier, Constable Bailey recommends parents do not provide kids with Internet access in the privacy of their bedrooms. Instead, place the computer in a shared space in the home. It's also important to educate kids about the kinds of information that might lead strangers to their doorstep. Some safety tips parents can discuss with kids include:
- Never give out personal information such as your last name, address, telephone number, password, parent's credit card number, parent's work address or telephone number, the name or location of your school, the name of your sports team, or information about any friends or family.
- Never send your picture or anything else to an online "friend" without your parent's approval.
- Never agree to meet someone you know only through the Internet unless you have your parent's approval. Take an adult along and meet in a busy, public place.
- Never send or respond to messages that are mean or involve threats. If you receive threats over the Internet, tell your parents immediately.
For more Internet safety tips, pick up a free copy of the Internet safety pamphlet at any Calgary Police Service district office. Also, watch the Calgary Police Service Web site later this winter for a new section designed for kids and teens, including a full tour of the Calgary Police Service Interpretive Centre.
Saluting Community Safety
The Life Saving Award recognizes an overt act beyond that which reasonably would be expected and in which the person saves or attempts to save the life of another. It was awarded to Sergeant Mike Lomore, Sergeant Rob Williams, Constable Brian Boechler, Constable Ron Kubicek, Constable Tom Page, Constable Shane Plamondon, Constable Wayne Potter, Constable Mark Robson, Constable Steve Vaney and Constable Ian Vernon.
Community Policing Award
The Community Policing Award, which honours an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in the community, was presented to Detective Lynne Cunningham, Detective Frank Farkas, Constable Leah Barber and Sergeant Ed Yeomans.
Leadership Award
Detective Steven Patterson, Staff Sergeant Paul Laventure, Staff Sergeant Blake McWilliam and Staff Sergeant Debbie Middleton-Hope were awarded the Leadership Award. This award acknowledges initiative in leading a team or a group to a significant accomplishment that positively impacts the community and the Calgary Police Service.
Award of Exceptional Recognition
The Award of Exceptional Recognition recognizes an outstanding act of courage or the rendering of valuable assistance to the Calgary Police Service in the preservation of law and order.
The following citizens received an Award of Exceptional Recognition: Douglas Austin, Bill Goode, Jonathon McCarroll, Robert Reekie, Trevor Sheppard, Philip Sommerville, and William and Judy Wood. Congratulations to all award recipients.
Promoting Community Safety
Community safety is a priority with PanCanadian because it is something that affects the quality of life of every community member. Since 1993, PanCanadian has sponsored two crime prevention programs, the Police and Community Telephone system (PACT) and Block Watch.
PACT is a free telephone information service that works by automatically calling residents who subscribe, and playing recorded messages from the police. It alerts citizens to important situations such as criminal acts or requests for public assistance in cases such as missing children and other occurrences that require your attention.
Block Watch is a community crime prevention program that encourages community members to work together to reduce and prevent crime in their neighbourhoods. Community members organize their neighbourhood into "blocks." Blocks are groups of homes close enough together for each community member to become aware of who lives within their block area. Each member of Block Watch is part of a link in the chain that helps to prevent crime, through reporting suspicious activity to the Calgary Police Service.
These programs enhance the partnership that exists between the Calgary Police Service and the community.
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