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News & Events
Our Mission:
"To optimize public safety
in the City of Calgary"
Police Advisor
Fall 2002 Edition
This issue of the Police Advisor was generously sponsored by EnCana Corporation and the Calgary Herald. Topics include preventing house break-ins, protecting children at risk, preventing gang violence and staying safe on the road in winter.
Chief's Message - Meeting Challenges With Success
Meeting challenges with success
Calgarians have told us that they want to be kept informed about important issues that impact their lives.
Keeping the lines of communication open has long been a priority of the Calgary Police Service. It's an important aspect of our commitment to the philosophy of community-based policing - working in partnership with citizens, community groups and corporations to be a better police service.
This edition of the Police Advisor, made possible by the generous sponsorship of EnCana Corporation and the Calgary Herald, is distributed to 296,000 Calgary homes. So it's an ideal opportunity for me to detail some of the challenges faced by the Calgary Police Service, now and in the coming years.
I'll also outline some recent successes we've had in the face of those challenges. Many of our programs and initiatives that address Calgarians' top policing priorities can also be found in this edition of the Advisor.
Peaceful G8 Summit also cost-efficient
One of our major successes of 2002 was the peaceful G8 Summit. The Service received many accolades for our joint effort with the RCMP in planning and policing the country's largest peacetime security operation.
Not only was the event a tremendous success, but as we tally up the costs we're finding they'll come in significantly under the budget allocated by the federal government for the event. I take a great deal of pride in the hard work and dedication of all our officers and civilian members. I also tip my cap to the citizens of Calgary for the role you played in the incident-free event.
We take pride in being one of the most efficient policing agencies in Canada. Our per capita cost of policing is projected at $202 for 2002, nine per cent lower than the average of other major Canadian police services.
As well, with a ratio of 455 citizens per employee, each employee serves 10 per cent more citizens than the average police employee in other major Canadian policing agencies.
Recruiting new officers a priority
One of the challenges of the year leading up to the Summit was recruiting and training 125 men and women to bring us up to our full complement of officers. It's no secret that this challenge is ongoing; in fact, the number one issue facing the Service is Calgary's continuing rapid population growth - statistics show an increase of 28,600 in the last year alone - along with a surge of officers reaching eligibility for retirement.
In 2002, 175 officers became eligible, with another 367 reaching that stage within the next five years. We continue to actively recruit, with the goal of training 100 new officers in 2003.
As Calgary's population grows, it also becomes more diverse, adding to the complexity of providing policing services. Because it's our goal to reflect the city's population within our ranks, our Recruiting Unit is focusing on finding suitable applicants from across the spectrum of Calgary's varied mix of citizens.
Challenges and successes in 2002
- An increase in dispatched calls for service (calls attended by officers) of 14 per cent in the past two years, for a projected total of 225,000 such calls in 2002.
- A decrease in the rates of property and violent crime incidents per 100,000 population. In 2001, the rate was 6,110 per 100,000. The projected rate for 2002 is 5,900.
- A decrease in the rate of persons killed in traffic collisions from 5 per 100,000 in 1998 to a projected 3.2 per 100,000 in 2002. Rates of property damage collisions have also decreased since 1998.
- A projected increase in the rate at which we solve house break-ins for 2002, up from 26 per cent in 2001 - one of the highest clearance rates in Canada.
Among our other challenges are keeping pace with changes in technology, both within our work environment and in addressing technology-based crimes, and an aging infrastructure.
We must continually prioritize our needs to provide Calgarians with top-quality service. A major achievement of 2002 was the recent opening of our new District 8 office in the Mid-Sun Services Centre, which serves over 150,000 Calgarians in the south end of the city - more than double the population of Red Deer. Sharing the facility with the Fire Department, EMS and the City's Bylaw and Animal Services creates an efficiency that will benefit all these services, as well as citizens.
The City of Calgary 2002 Citizen Satisfaction Survey showed 85 per cent of Calgarians rated the Calgary Police Service as very good or good, a level consistent with survey results of the last three years.
We very much appreciate your ongoing support. It is my sincere desire to continue working with the citizens of our fine city to ensure it remains one of the safest communities in Canada.
New "Robocop" Educates Children
The Calgary Police Service recruited a constable of a different sort this fall. Constable Reilly is a full-size, life-like Robocop with working parts and a commitment to education.
"Constable Reilly is a one-of-a-kind interactive model," says Janet Pieschel, director of the Calgary Police Service Interpretive Centre.
"Some of the issues we deal with at the Interpretive Centre are quite sensitive - including domestic abuse and family violence. Constable Reilly educates children and visitors, providing consistent messages about these sensitive issues."
Constable Reilly can be operated remotely, allowing him to answer questions or provide information in response to any query - with the help of a real person listening and operating him from the shadows.
"The kids who've seen Constable Reilly working by remote were absolutely mesmerized. They had no idea there was a real person back there helping him out," says Pieschel.
Constable Reilly answers reporters' questions at his first media scrum, shortly before YouthLink 2002 on Oct. 23, a fundraising event for the Calgary Police Service Interpretive Centre. During YouthLink, about 450 Calgarians experienced police work first-hand and had a chance to meet Cst. Reilly, the Interpretive Centre's new "Robocop," and also solved crimes, watched police dogs in action, learned about cybercrime, identified counterfeit money and tried to dismantle a bomb - all for a good cause. YouthLink 2002 raised over $60,000 for educational programs focusing on domestic abuse, family violence and youth violence.
The Interpretive Centre will also enlist Constable Reilly's help with special events and promotions. In fact, he worked his first full shift at YouthLink 2002 on Oct. 23, an annual event to raise funds for the Interpretive Centre's educational programs.
"We're happy to have Constable Reilly on the job. He's going to further our efforts to educate Calgarians about important crime and safety issues," says Pieschel.
Take Steps to Prevent House Break-ins
You return home after an evening out and discover that your home has been broken into. You call the police to make a report, and after they leave, you're left looking at a broken window and the mess left behind as thieves searched for valuables. The clean-up is a hassle, but it's nothing compared to the feeling that your personal space has been violated.
This is a situation no one wants to imagine, but many Calgarians face each day. There are over 7,000 break-ins in Calgary every year. While the Calgary Police Service cleared 26 per cent of residential break-ins in 2001 and projects clearance figures for 2002 will be even higher, citizens can help by ensuring their homes are difficult to break into.
Victims of house break-ins share similar feelings - and have similar questions, says Constable Kathy Macdonald of the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Unit.
Reporting all stolen property helps police establish a pattern and catch thieves. Insurers do not require items they've replaced to be returned if police recover your stolen property.
"Victims want to know what they can do to reduce the risk of it happening again, and how to reduce the worry that it might happen again."
Many homeowners who've experienced a break-in already have the basic crime prevention tools in place, such as strong deadbolt locks, solid core metal doors and locking windows. Following a break-in, says Constable Macdonald, many take crime prevention to the next level.
"Victims must place themselves in an empowering situation to enhance their personal and family safety, so they can reduce the worry," she says.
Constable Macdonald suggests installing a monitored security system, adding bars or locking metal shutters to windows, and considering how the environmental design of your property might make a break-in more difficult.
Planting thorny bushes under accessible windows, trimming hedges to improve visibility, and ensuring adequate lighting around your home can also discourage thieves.
Joining a neighbourhood crime prevention program such as Block Watch, the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program or Builders Watch can also improve your sense of security.
"These organizations can provide victims with the resources to reduce or prevent crime, and increase peace of mind and community pride," says Constable Macdonald.
Report stolen property to help police solve crime
Following a break-in, the other issue homeowners have to deal with is reporting stolen property. The Calgary Police Service Stolen Property Unit (SPU) works to reconnect citizens with stolen objects - in some cases, heirloom or one-of-a-kind items that are dearly missed.
"You can replace a television, but replacing your grandmother's wedding ring is impossible," says SPU Acting Detective Jim Thomson. "Nevertheless, it's often identifying that television that could help us find the culprit."
The unit focuses on recovering property, arresting the original offenders and prosecuting those who buy or sell stolen property. This includes monitoring pawnshops and second-hand stores in Calgary where stolen property may turn up.
Some people are reluctant to report stolen goods to police, says Detective Thomson. "They're afraid their insurer will make them return the new stuff if we locate their stolen property. That's actually not the case." If police recover your property after your insurance claim has been settled, it belongs to the insurance company, who will salvage it to offset the cost of your claim.
Other reasons people don't report stolen property is because it seems like a small loss, or it's not insured.
"We want people to report stolen goods regardless, because investigating theft - and getting convictions - is much easier when we have complete information about all the stolen property out there," says Detective Thomson.
To protect your belongings against house break-ins, keep accurate records. Make a list of your valuables, including serial numbers and identifiable markings. Keep one copy at home and a second in a separate location such as at work or at a relative's home.
Photographing valuable property using a digital or video camera is also effective. "Identifying stolen property is extremely difficult when people don't record serial numbers. Also, put an identifying mark on your property to distinguish it from another item of the same type," says Detective Thomson.
Visit the Stolen Property Unit page to download a property inventory form to catalogue your belongings.
Career in Policing Offers Many Rewards
Large numbers of police officers will be eligible for retirement within the next five years. To continue to meet the demand for service in our fast-growing city, the Calgary Police Service Recruiting Unit is conducting an ongoing recruiting campaign.
"Many police services in Canada are hiring, including the Calgary Police Service. We are actively seeking qualified applications from men and women with a variety of backgrounds," says Staff Sergeant Bob Ritchie, head of the Calgary Police Service Recruiting Unit.
To attract candidates Canada-wide, the Recruiting Unit recently attended career fairs across the country. The Calgary Police Service was one of the first police agencies in Canada to streamline recruiting by posting application information online.
The Service's Web site allows anyone interested to find out at the click of a button if they have the appropriate qualifications.
"Many people are not aware of the advantages of being a police officer in Calgary. It's an opportunity to take on diverse challenges in a rewarding environment, with state-of-the-art investigative technology," Staff Sergeant Ritchie says. "It's also an opportunity to make a difference in the community."
Diverse challenges provide rewards
Being a police officer in Calgary provides a wide range of challenges and opportunities. Officers can pursue 109 specialty areas, including commercial crime, drugs, canine, mounted patrol, youth services, and many more.
Detective Gerard Brand has experienced the diverse opportunities of policing firsthand. In 12 years with the Calgary Police Service, Detective Brand has been involved in many areas, including wiretapping and undercover drug and vice work.
He currently works in general investigations at the District 5 Office. "Being a police officer offers unlimited opportunities - you can be just about anything you want to be," he says.
Detective Brand followed in his father's footsteps when he became a police officer. "I believe being a police officer is in my blood - there's a passion for it, a desire to do the job. My dad was a police officer in the West Indies, and I geared my life toward becoming a police officer," he says.
State-of-the-art technology helps solve crimes
Detective Brand says technology is invaluable to police work. He says the Calgary Police Service is leaps and bounds ahead of many other policing agencies in Canada in its use of technology, but he also feels that many more innovations are just around the corner.
"I think we've started down a path that's making us one of the most innovative police departments in the country."
Constable Kathleen Bendelier, who's been wearing her badge since July 2002, also appreciates the role technology plays in her work. "Being able to access the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system using a laptop computer inside the vehicle is really useful," she says.
Having CAD access in police vehicles allows officers to access criminal records and mapping technology, check licence plates or check calls that are waiting while they're on the road.
"It keeps us connected. We can check any time to see where our other police units are and whether anyone might need assistance. It's a great reference tool," says Constable Bendelier.
Constable Bendelier recognized the rewards of being a police officer when she decided to pursue it as a career nearly two years ago. "It's a multi-task job that I really enjoy. There's always something new to learn so you're always improving yourself," she says.
Constable Bendelier moved to Calgary from Halifax after finding out about the Calgary Police Service during a Canada-wide recruitment campaign.
"They did a recruiting drive in Halifax about the same time as I was planning to apply. The more I learned about Calgary and the police service here, the more I wanted to join," she says.
Solving community problems
Another advantage of police work is the value it provides to the community. "It's a chance to help people, a way of giving something back," says Constable Michelle Southorn, who has lived in Calgary all her life and been with the Service for four years. "I really enjoy the diversity of working with different people all the time, and being able to step in and help them out at a particular moment in their lives."
Constable Southorn experienced community involvement close-up as a community liaison officer in the Silver Springs District Office.
"I met a lot of different people and got involved in helping communities solve problems," she says. She's back on the street now, and enjoying the challenge. "It's pretty exciting, not knowing what's coming next, having to come up with a solution to every different situation. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else."
Successful recruits come from diverse backgrounds
Citizens considering a career in policing must be intelligent and possess sound judgment, maturity and common sense. Integrity is also important, as is a commitment to serving the community.
One thing that is not mandatory is post-secondary education. For example, in a recent recruit training class, one-third had Grade 12, one-third had diplomas, and one-third had university degrees.
"We want the Police Service to reflect the community we serve. That means we want to attract applicants from different backgrounds, genders and ethnic communities to work with us," says Staff Sergeant Ritchie.
Aboriginal Youth and Police Partner to Create Mural
In September 2002, youth from the Calgary Boys and Girls Club Aboriginal Program and the T'suu Tina Nation Early Intervention Program came together to paint a mural in downtown Calgary. The youth received artistic assistance from Trevor Freeman of the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth.
The mural is a permanent fixture that addresses business community concerns about graffiti, while promoting awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal arts and culture. The project was developed as part of a new partnership between the Calgary Police Service and the City of Calgary Community and Neighbourhood Services - Aboriginal Services.
"The goal of our partnership is to develop a better understanding of cultural differences and address issues that arise in a meaningful, proactive way," says Constable Mark Dumont, Aboriginal Youth Liaison Coordinator for Calgary Police Service District 1.
The efforts of the painters were supported by Home Depot, Mac's and Subway. Their work can be viewed at the corner of 7 Avenue and 8 Street S.W.
Youth Join Together to Prevent Crime
Grades 7 to 12 students from across Alberta came together to fight crime in late October when 135 delegates met at Youth Challenge 2002, a crime prevention conference in Calgary. The conference featured workshops on subjects including the criminal justice system, starting a youth council, as well as a resource fair and debate sessions.
"Calgary's youth were the driving force behind the conference," says Constable Gerry McAleese, District 5 community liaison officer with the Calgary Police Service. "They understand that addressing the underlying issues that lead to crime is the most effective way to prevent it."
The conference was funded by a grant from the National Crime Prevention Centre, and hosted by the North of McKnight Youth Council (NMYC) in partnership with District 5, the Falconridge/Castleridge Community Association and Boys and Girls Club Community Services.
The conference grew from the success of two past youth crime prevention conferences organized by the NMYC.
"These conferences are an excellent way to explore youth crime prevention," says Lisa Walsh-Brost, NMYC program leader. "They also provide unlimited potential for networking, sharing resources and experience, meeting new people and having fun."
Protecting Children at Risk
Estimates suggest one in five children is either abused or witnessing abuse at home. The cycle of family violence can be broken, but first the problem has to be identified.
"Every citizen has a responsibility to report child abuse or neglect," says Detective Bob Reid, head of the Calgary Police Service's Child at Risk Response Team (CARRT).
CARRT is a joint initiative of the Service and Calgary Rocky View Child and Family Services. Once a child at risk has been identified, a police officer and a social worker pair up to help the family end the cycle of abuse or neglect through investigation, education and - when necessary - intervention.
"We intervene in matters of physical and sexual abuse, abandonment or neglect. Offenders are trained to understand that child abuse and neglect are not private family matters and that legal sanctions will be pursued and enforced in applicable cases," says Detective Reid.
Service recognized with prestigious policing award
This fall, the Service received a prestigious international award for excellence in law enforcement for the development of CARRT. The Webber Seavey Award was presented to Chief Jack Beaton and Detective Reid at the 2002 International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"I am extremely proud of the recognition the Service is receiving through this award," said Chief Beaton. "It demonstrates the the world-class calibre of our members and their dedication to the communities they serve."
Volunteers Help Victims Cope with Crime and Tragedy
Victims of crime are often overwhelmed and confused. Just dealing with the emotional trauma is a challenge, let alone handling the difficult events that follow - preparing a statement, going to court or requesting restitution. The Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Unit helps victims of crime and misfortune cope with their traumatic experiences.
"Victim assistance helps lessen the negative effect that a crime has on the victim and their family. We provide victims with support, information, referrals, and prepare them for the court process so it's less intimidating for them," says Sergeant Mona Jorgensen, head of the Victim Assistance Unit (VAU).
The unit celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. From a staff of six - including four volunteers - in 1977, the unit has grown to over 100, 95 of whom are volunteers. "We absolutely could not offer the programs and services we do without our highly trained volunteer support workers," says Sgt. Jorgensen.
Unit staff and volunteers currently assist over 7,200 victims every year - victims of tragic or traumatic situations such as death of a loved one, assault, domestic or sexual assault, robbery, homicide or a traffic fatality.
Victim Assistance Support Teams of two volunteers with advanced training and experience are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist victims in their time of need.
All VAU volunteers are well-prepared. "They undergo 92 hours of training to ensure they have the skills to assist victims of crime or tragedy," says Sgt. Jorgensen. The unit continues to accept applications for volunteers. Applicants must be good listeners with life experience and be willing to commit 25 hours per month.
The Calgary Police Service also uses volunteer support in other areas, with over 800 volunteers in total. "Many volunteers view assisting police as a good way to give something back to the community," says Vivian Gathercole, head of the Calgary Police Service Volunteer Resources Unit.
To learn more about the VAU or other volunteer opportunities with the Calgary Police Service, visit the Volunteer Resource Unit.
Police and Community Work Together to Target Drug Use
The link between illegal drugs and violence is readily identifiable - 21 homicides in Calgary between 1995 and 2001 were drug-related, as are a significant percentage of home invasion robberies.
Targeting dealers and groups who buy and sell illegal drugs in Calgary is the focus of the Calgary Police Service Drug Unit, a team of experts in education, investigation and enforcement.
Large-scale drug distribution networks are often connected to organized crime groups, who import and distribute illicit drugs to mid- and street-level dealers. Calgary police often conduct investigations in partnership with other policing agencies, including the RCMP, which can last months or even years, but can result in the destruction of major drug operations.
Illegal drug trends in Calgary involve marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy, among others.
"One of the more alarming trends here is the proliferation of marijuana grow operations. A lot of our resources are required to investigate and eliminate these operations," says Detective Steve Walton, Drug Education Liaison Coordinator with the Calgary Police Service Drug Unit.
Over 200 marijuana-growing operations have been shut down by Calgary Police in the past three years. In 2001 alone, the Drug Unit seized over $9 million worth of marijuana and laid more than 150 charges against 58 people.
Members of the community providing information about suspicious activities through Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477) or the police non-emergency number (403) 266-1234 are key to the Service's success in addressing this trend.
Crack cocaine is more addictive than cocaine, and with use, the effect lasts for shorter periods of time, forcing the user to need more of the drug, more frequently. "It impacts society, because we see spin-off crime when people can't afford their habit and begin to gain their money through illegal methods," says Detective Walton.
In addition, crack cocaine is available in $5 and $10 pieces. "It appears inexpensive, but once an individual starts using it, they find they need to keep using it," says Detective Walton. "It's now being made available to youth at a price that is attractive, and that's of grave concern to police."
Emerging drug trends
Ecstasy and methamphetamine are both emerging drug trends in Calgary. Ecstasy is a derivative of methamphetamine, but Detective Walton prefers to call it MDMA. "I don't call it ecstasy. To young people, the word ecstasy has very positive connotations. It's not appropriate to attach those positive ideas to a dangerous illegal drug."
While MDMA was traditionally used primarily in the rave culture, Detective Walton says that it has become more readily available and more popular with both youth and adults.
Through investigation, education and enforcement, says Detective Walton, "Our goal is to enforce the laws so our communities are safer, healthier places to live for all Calgarians."
Police deliver drug and vice education
The Calgary Police Service recently formalized its education efforts in the areas of vice and drugs with the appointment of two officers to education liaison positions.
Detective Steve Walton, the Drug Education Liaison Coordinator, is working on standardizing the Service's approach to drug education.
Detective Len Dafoe, Vice Education Liaison Coordinator, provides the same consistency in the area of vice, which focuses on the impact of the sex trade workers on the community and related crimes, as well as addressing illegal gaming, and escort services, exotic dancers and massage practitioners in conjunction with the City of Calgary Licence Division.
"Our goal is standardized education in our respective offices," says Detective Walton. "Many police units are involved in educating the public about drug- and vice-related issues. We're providing internal training to ensure all Calgary police officers deliver a consistent educational message to the community."
etective Walton has already been educating citizens about drug-related issues for four years. However, the new standardized approach will ensure that education about drugs and vice crimes is more accessible to the public and that the information presented is consistent and up-to-date.
"These new positions were developed to help us reach out to the community and do as much education as possible. With the appropriate training, police officers service-wide will be more accessible to the community on drug and vice education issues," Detective Walton says.
Community Support Critical to Help Reduce Gang Violence
Gang violence in Calgary isn't about a style of clothing or who gang members choose to hang out with. In fact, perhaps the most unusual thing about gang violence - as it concerns the Calgary Police Service Gang Action Unit - is that it isn't really about gangs at all.
"Our approach is not to identify gang violence, because we don't want to legitimize any gangs by doing that," says Sergeant Kevin Forsen, head of the Gang Action Unit. "We target individuals, not gangs."
Gang-related crimes are increasing in many Canadian cities, and the Gang Action Unit's focus is to ensure a similar escalation doesn't occur in Calgary.
"It's an inefficient use of our resources to try and determine who is in what gang. We focus on the fact that there are repeat violent offenders committing a lot of criminal acts, and target the individual offenders," says Sgt. Forsen.
In addition to ensuring gang activities aren't legitimized through media or other channels, the Calgary Police Service approach recognizes the unpredictable nature of gangs in Calgary. "What constitutes a gang one day could be different the next," says Sgt. Forsen.
Gang violence in Calgary generally involves individuals between 14 and 30 years of age. Their crimes are often drug-related, violent and linked to organized crime.
"Gang violence can be the training ground for criminals to become more organized," says Sgt. Forsen. "We're trying to deal with the individuals as young offenders before they become organized and cause bigger problems for the community."
Gang Action Unit helps young offenders reconnect with their families
The Gang Action Unit focuses on reducing gang violence in Calgary through targeted enforcement, reintegration and public education.
"The reintegration process helps parents recognize that we're not just trying to put their kids in jail. We want to help offenders reconnect with their families and improve their conditions so they can get out of trouble permanently," says Sgt. Forsen.
Reintegration starts with determining root causes, says Julia Marsh, the Calgary Police Service social worker who assists the unit.
"Are they in school, do they have addiction issues, mental health issues, is there abuse in the home?" she says. "Sometimes they're smart kids who just do bad things. With help they can get off that path."
Educating the community is also important. "The message is that we're committed to working with the issue of violent street crimes involving youth in Calgary, and that the community can help by providing information and being willing to testify," says Sgt. Forsen.
Police rely on community support in gang-related investigations because the people directly involved are reluctant to reveal information that would hurt other gang members.
Parents can also help by staying in touch with what's happening in their children's lives.
"It's important for parents to keep the lines of communication open so they know what their children are involved in. If there are sudden behavioural changes, parents should make a concerted effort to find out why," says Sgt. Forsen.
Get There Safely in Snowy Weather
Find Useful Lists Online
Visit the Traffic Safety pages of the Calgary Police Service Web site at www.calgarypolice.ca. for the following:
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Each year in Alberta approximately 400 people are killed and 23,000 injured in some 90,000 motor vehicle collisions. Calgary drivers are involved in almost 35,000 collisions each year. Last year in Calgary, 3,692 collisions caused injuries and 28 resulted in death.
Most collisions occur during poor conditions - often during the winter months. "Depending on the weather, we could have hundreds of property damage collisions in a day," says Inspector Vince Caleffi, head of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section. As winter settles over Calgary streets, now's a good time to consider how you can stay safe while driving in ice and snow.
Slowing down means safer trips
Driving safely during winter conditions means one thing above all else - slow down.
"Drive under the posted limit, according to the road conditions and with the movement of traffic. Generally that means at a much slower speed," says Inspector Caleffi. In poor conditions, leaving sufficient space between you and the vehicle in front of you is also critical.
"Many winter collisions occur because drivers have not left sufficient distance to allow themselves to stop if the driver in front of them brakes suddenly," he says.
Inspector Caleffi has a special precaution for SUV drivers. "Many SUV drivers feel they can manage their vehicle at any speed and the results can be catastrophic. When you try to brake on ice, a large vehicle - four-wheel drive or not - is almost uncontrollable," he says.
Don't drink and drive
With the festive season fast approaching, the number of parties involving alcohol will increase dramatically.
The Calgary Police Service reminds Calgarians that there are many ways to get home safely when you've consumed alcohol. "There are taxis, buses, and a number of volunteer agencies that will assist in driving you home safely, so there's no need to drink and drive," says Inspector Caleffi.
Over 500 alcohol-related collisions occurred in Calgary in 2001. "The sad thing is that, based on history, I know another five to 10 people will die on our roads between now and the new year, and half of them will die as a result of alcohol-related collisions," Inspector Caleffi says. "We all know that the problem exists and we all have the ability to prevent those deaths. We just have to refuse to drink and drive."
Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions
Good maintenance can improve your level of safety. "It's very important to keep your vehicle in good repair, especially during the winter months," says Inspector Caleffi.
Maintenance points to check include brakes, tires, battery, headlights, taillights and fluid levels. Good visibility through a windshield with no cracks is also important.
A well-maintained car is more likely to perform well in bad weather and, if you are forced to pull off the road for any reason, it will keep you safe and warm while you wait for assistance.
Stay warm with emergency supplies
Carrying safety supplies when you travel in winter can ensure you aren't left out in the cold. Things to keep in your car during the winter months include: a shovel, ice scraper and snow brush, sand or salt, traction mats, pencil and paper, road maps, flashlight and spare batteries, first aid kit, extra clothing, a blanket and a candle, non-perishable food items (granola or fruit bars, nuts, juice and bottled water), booster cables and a cell phone.
What to do if you get bumped
Regardless of the preparation and safe driving habits of many Calgarians, thousands of collisions will occur on Calgary roads this winter. How do you know when to call police? "Whenever there is combined damage over $1,000, police need to be notified," says Inspector Caleffi.
Call 9-1-1 to report a serious injury or fatality, and police will respond immediately. Otherwise call 266-1234, the police non-emergency number, for instructions.
"Minor collisions can often be reported at a Calgary Police Service district office. If there is extensive damage and the vehicle can't be moved, police will attend the scene but, depending on the call load, the waiting time can be substantial," says Inspector Caleffi.
Make Way for Emergency Vehicles
You hear the ring of sirens and then spot an emergency vehicle coming up fast behind you - how do you react?
"Many drivers freeze up and forget their basic driver training," says Constable Mike O'Connor of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Education Unit. But all hey need to remember is to pull to the nearest curb to clear a path, and stay there until the emergency vehicle is at least 30 metres away before proceeding.
"Drivers are required by law to pull to the nearest curb without crossing a yellow line. This means you can pull to either the left or the right curb on a one way street or any roadway with a median at the centre. On a road divided only by painted lines, you must pull over to the right," says Cst. O'Connor.
As Calgary's traffic congestion increases, it's more important than ever to help emergency vehicles get to their destinations quickly. Here are some simple tips to ensure you get the message while you're behind the wheel:
- Keep noise levels low inside your vehicle.
- Monitor your rearview mirror.
- If you're stopped at a red light when an emergency vehicle approaches, get out of the way when it is safe to do so - even if it means turning away from your destination.
- Pull over when an emergency vehicle is coming towards you to provide extra room for it to pass.
- If you are approaching a green light and hear a siren but don't see an emergency vehicle, slow down and check all directions before proceeding.
Making room for emergency vehicles is the law, but it's also the right thing to do. As Cst. O'Connor points out, "If we all treated every emergency vehicle as if it was going to our own house, we wouldn't hesitate to get out of the way."
Community Safety: EnCana Answers the Call
Partners in crime prevention
When EnCana Corporation was created this year through the merger of PanCanadian Petroleum and Alberta Energy Company, each brought to the new company a wide range of community sponsorships.
EnCana is pleased to continue sponsoring the Police Advisor and the Police and Community Telephone system (PACT), which is an initiative of Block Watch operated by the Calgary Police Service and supported by the Federation of Calgary Communities.
PACT is a free telephone information service that automatically calls subscribers and plays a recorded message from the Calgary Police Service. Messages are tailored to specific communities and provide information about criminal acts, requests for public assistance, and other occurrences that require the public's attention. It also lets subscribers know what the police, including the HAWCI helicopter, have been doing in the community.
Corporation is proud to partner with the Calgary Police Service in this important crime prevention initiative," says Mary Ann Steen, Manager, Community Investment. "At EnCana, we have a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the communities where we operate."
By registering to receive messages, citizens can protect their family and property and help police monitor suspicious activities. "PACT improves communication between police and the community, by allowing police to get information to the public quickly and efficiently," says Ruth Steel, PACT Administrator with the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Unit.
To sign up to receive PACT messages, complete and return the registration form below or call (403) 290-2990 and follow the recorded instructions.
There seems to be a continuous stream of frauds and scams targeted at seniors. As part of ongoing efforts to alert seniors to the latest scams, EnCana and the Calgary Police Service launched the Seniors PACT (Police and Community Telephone) system. The computerized system phones seniors at home to tell them about current schemes occurring in the city, and is a free service.
"This system is an excellent way to alert seniors of the latest frauds," says Constable Kate Savage of the Service's Crime Prevention Unit. "It's also perfect for the isolated senior who is not out in the community. The information is available to them by simply answering the phone."
The Calgary Police Service has formed a committee with members of the local media, the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs to share information about the latest frauds in Calgary.
Seniors who have been victims of fraud or approached by someone looking to cheat them will often contact the media or Better Business Bureau before they notify police. Through the information shared by the group, the police are aware of more schemes and can warn seniors through PACT.
he Seniors PACT system works in conjunction with the community PACT system. Seniors enrolled in the Seniors PACT system will not only receive the same information as their neighbours about what's happening in the community, but will also learn about frauds specifically targeting seniors. Seniors can then take steps to protect themselves and ensure they are not victimized.
The system calls between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to play the recorded message. If you are not home when Seniors PACT calls, the system will leave a message on most answering machines. Otherwise, it will call again after the other homes have been contacted.
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