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News & Events
Our Mission:
"To optimize public safety
in the City of Calgary"
Police Advisor
Spring 2004 Edition
Message From Chief Jack Beaton
Welcome to the Spring edition of the Police Advisor for 2004. I hope you find it full of helpful information.
Much of what you'll see in these pages relates to issues raised by Calgarians in our 2003 Citizen Survey. This was our fourth such study aimed at asking you as citizens, the people we serve, how we're doing our jobs and if there are any areas that concern you.
We were pleased to learn that an overwhelming majority of respondents, 91%, said that they were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the service the Calgary Police Service provides. We also learned that more Calgarians - 82% - feel safe walking alone after dark. This has increased from the 76% response to the same question in our 1997 study.
One of the issues identified by Calgarians a concern is organized crime and gang activity. The Calgary Police Service has initiatives underway to help address these serious issues.
And our city is safe. In fact, of the ten largest cities across Canada, Calgary has the third lowest rate of violent crime.
One way to help prevent crime in our city is to be proactive in the community - citizens working together with the Calgary Police Service. This is a theme showcased in Crime Prevention Week, which runs from May 8-15 this year. This year's event coincides with National Police Week and is coordinated between the Alberta Solicitor General and the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association.
Crime prevention should be on everyone's minds year-round, of course, but this special week in May is meant to help raise awareness of the various techniques and programs available, as well as encouraging more involvement from businesses, communities and individuals.
You can find a wide variety of crime prevention information on a new website at www.crimeprevention.gov.ab.ca. Surf by the site for tips on crime prevention, as well as information on local events, organizations and resources.
There has been a lot of publicity about marijuana grow operations in the city, and I'm proud that thanks to the efforts of community-minded citizens wanting to take back their neighbourhoods, the Service has been very successful in breaking up these illicit businesses.
Traffic safety is always on people's minds, so in this edition of the Police Advisor we're offering several stories on various driving-related issues. One thing that may surprise you is that most of the traffic fatalities in Calgary happen in the summer, perhaps due to the fact that the roads are better and therefore more drivers are tempted to drive more quickly.
Interestingly, the number one "big problem" cited by citizens was the use of cellular telephones while driving. It looks as if many of us have come across drivers whose attention has been detoured from the road by their phone!
Using a cellular phone while driving isn't illegal in Alberta, but the Calgary Police Service is endeavoring to educate people about the dangers.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and opinions on the Calgary Police Service, the Police Advisor, or any other subject. You can e-mail your comments to cps@calgarypolice.ca or fax 216-5358.
Marijuana Grow Operations
Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit substance in the world, and it might even be cultivated next door to you without you knowing it.
"Indoor marijuana growing operations have become a major concern for policing agencies across North America," says Inspector Brian Skeet of the Calgary Police Service's Organized Crime Control Unit. In Calgary in 2003, the CPS Drug Unit seized more than $53 million worth of marijuana from such "grow ops," often dangerous and haphazard hydroponic laboratories.
These marijuana grow operations are set up in homes or commercial property, usually in unassuming buildings that fit right in with the neighbourhood. And not only are they growing these illicit plants, grow ops often create "significant fire hazards that endanger the people and property in the surrounding area," according to Skeet.
Grow operation sizes can range from a single room to an entire house, and crops can be harvested every few months, creating a nearly endless supply of illegal drugs on the streets of Calgary if efforts aren't made to stop them.
Many of these grow operations are controlled by organized crime elements, and this makes them especially dangerous to their neighbours and to their customers.
Calgarians are fighting back against these criminal elements. A large proportion of the marijuana operations discovered by the Calgary Police Service are tipped off by ordinary citizens, suspicious of odd activity in their neighbourhoods such as an unusual "skunky" smell coming from a house or unusual electrical hookups.
If you suspect a marijuana grow operation in your neighbourhood, call the Calgary Police Service Drug Hotline at 206-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Many people think marijuana use is acceptable, or a "victimless crime." The federal government has even talked about decriminalizing marijuana, or of legalizing the drug for medical purposes. But at this point in time the drug is still illegal, and there are good reasons for that.
One of the most compelling reasons for controlling marijuana is the effect it can have on children. Marijuana is a narcotic that can be used to introduce young people to the drug culture at an age at which they're both vulnerable and curious. The result can be run-ins with the legal system, problems at school, difficulties at work, and the possible influence of gangs on their lives.
Marijuana is also known to be a "gateway drug." Some marijuana users will "graduate" to using other dangerous, highly addictive substances.
This is why families are urged to learn and talk about the dangers of marijuana, together. To help you understand the issue better, the Calgary Police Service has put together a brochure that can help you identify the telltale signs of a grow operation as well as learn the many risks of marijuana use. It's available at your local police district office; an online version is available at www.calgarypolice.ca.
Be Road Safe - Hang Up The Cell
Cell phones can be life savers. They can be used to call for help if you're in danger, or need help, or if you witness a crime in progress.
But they can also be dangerous, especially if you use them at the wrong time.
Who hasn't seen some other vehicle swerving down the street, driven as if the driver were impaired - only to be revealed as talking on the phone, handset to ear, mostly ignoring the primary job of driving safely.
People have died that way. According to the CBC, Richard Schewe was driving his pickup truck in Pickering, Ontario in May, 2001; his two year old daughter was with him. Schewe was talking on his cell phone while the truck approached a level railroad crossing - and because his attention was diverted he didn't see the warning lights that a train was about to cross - both he and his young daughter were killed.
"Being behind the wheel of a moving vehicle requires all your attention," reminds Staff Sergeant Carl DeSantis of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Unit. "You're in control of a large, moving mass of machinery, with other vehicles all around you. That's no time to have your attention diverted."
Several countries have banned the use of cell phones while driving. In the U.S., New York state pioneered such bans in 2001. Last year, Newfoundland became the first Canadian province to ban cell phones. Some exemptions are made for hands free cell phones, which allow a driver to keep both hands planted on the steering wheel while using the phone.
According to a study by the University of Montreal, drivers using cell phones are 38 per cent more likely to be involved in a collision. And a study conducted by the Insurance Bureau of British Columbia found that, while drivers using cell phones or otherwise being distracted did okay on simple tasks such as stopping for a red light, when it came to more sophisticated manoeuvres such as turning left, they were twice as likely to make a dangerous move.
"Keeping up a conversation is a distracting activity," says DeSantis, "but it's even worse when coupled with the demanding task of driving a car safely."
And safety is the bottom line. It can only take a second for a child to run out from between parked cars, or for some other road hazard to happen right in front of you. If your concentration is diverted, that second may not be long enough for you to react safely.
So use your head. "The best thing you can do if you get a call on your phone," advises DeSantis, "is to pull over safely to the shoulder of the road." That way, you're removing your vehicle from becoming danger.
And don't think it's just cell phone use that puts the lives of you and those around you in danger. Changing stations on your vehicle's radio, eating a snack, or even just carrying on a conversation with a passenger can take your mind off the work of driving. So keep your mind on your driving and your eyes on the road at all times.
DeSantis says; "Driving is a full time job."
Calgary Police Target Organized Crime
Gangs. Drugs. Prostitution. Child Pornography.
Organized crime costs Canadians billions of dollars each year, as well as endangering the lives of law-abiding citizens through their sometimes violent acts. Organized crime is also an issue that Calgarians said in their responses to the CPS Citizen Survey, 2003, is high on their list of priorities for the Service to fight.
In fact, fighting organized crime is the mandate of the Calgary Police Service Organized Crime Control Section. Led by Inspector Brian Skeet, the Section has 96 sworn members and 10 civilian staff.
Tightening the Vice on Crime
The Organized Crime Section features specially trained detectives who work in the areas of prostitution, child prostitution and pornography, illegal gaming, and the enforcement of bylaws concerning escorts, exotic dancers and massage practitioners. They also work hard on the areas of prevention and education, following the Calgary Police Service's philosophy that the true measure of police effectiveness is the absence of crime and disorder, not the visible evidence of police action.
Prostitution's Wide-ranging Effects
The sex trade not only affects those involved, it also concerns the communities in which it takes place. Traffic, road congestion, discarded hypodermic needles and condoms, sex acts in public places, and an overall negative impact on the community, its businesses (as well as lower property values) are all negative spin-offs from the sex trade.
To help control the effects of prostitution, the Organized Crime Section uses multi-pronged approaches that include working closely with community-based organizations to address residents' concerns and the underlying issues that can lead to a life of prostitution. For example, childhood sexual abuse and drug addictions are two factors shared by many sex trade workers walking the streets of Calgary, and the Organized Crime Section tries to address these root causes of prostitution as well as taking enforcement action.
Combating the Drug Trade
The Drug Unit includes 25 officers, led by a staff sergeant and backed up by a civilian analyst. It includes six areas of operation that address different ways of monitoring, investigating and preventing the illegal drug trade in the city.
Thought by some to be a "victimless crime," the illegal drug trade actually creates many victims. "Drugs led directly to more than 20 homicides in Calgary between 1995 and 2001," says Inspector Skeet, "and a large percentage of home invasions and robberies are drug-related as well."
The Drug Unit receives an average of 100 tips per month through Crime Stoppers, often in relation to marijuana "grow operations", and two "DUST" (Drug Undercover Street Teams) squads of highly trained officers who work with front line officers to target open air drug markets and crack houses.
Fighting Fire
Fires can be dangerous and expensive - and sometimes they don't "just happen." While most fires are started by accident, people sometimes set fires, for whatever reason. To help solve such crimes, the Calgary Police Service has teamed up with the Calgary Fire Department to create a joint forces Arson Unit consisting of three, two person teams that investigate all major fires as well as those that cause injuries or death. They also probe all explosions.
How many fires are deliberately set? "In 2003," says Skeet, "over 70% of the fires we investigated were arson-related."
Which goes to show the importance of arson investigation - as well as the success the Calgary Police Service is having.
Commercial Success
To battle commercial crime, the Calgary Police Service has assigned 22 officers and a staff sergeant to investigate such crimes as economic or "white collar" crime, computer-related, environmental or fraud offences, among others.
"Commercial crime investigations generally fall into two central categories," says Inspector Brian Skeet, "Complex white collar crime investigations and consumer fraud."
Intelligence Quotient
The Calgary Criminal Intelligence Unit is a joint operation between the Calgary Police Service and the RCMP. It gathers, analyses and distributes criminal intelligence as related to organized crime so that appropriate enforcement action can be taken.
The Criminal Intelligence Unit investigators coordinate with other plain-clothes units and uniformed personnel within the Calgary Police Service as well as other police services across Canada to provide expertise and investigative support.
In addition to the police officers of this section, two crime analysts develop strategic intelligence and provide a strategic focus by identifying and monitoring trends in organized and serious crimes.
Raising Awareness About Crime Prevention Week
When most people think about crime prevention, they often think of more police on patrol or a better lock or security system for their home or car.
And, while those are part of what we know as crime prevention, there are many other ways to prevent crime and make our communities safer places in which to live and work. As outlined in other articles in this edition of the Police Advisor, some approaches address the physical design of buildings and public spaces. Other address the root causes of crime such as poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, family violence or illiteracy.
Crime Prevention Week, which runs from May 8-15 this year, coincides with National Police Week and is coordinated between the Alberta Solicitor General and the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association.
And while crime prevention is something we need to consider year-round, the special week in May is meant to help raise awareness of the various techniques and programs available and to encourage more involvement from businesses, entire communities, police services and individuals.
You can find a wide variety of crime prevention information on a new website at www.crimeprevention.gov.ab.ca. Surf by the site for tips on crime prevention, as well as information on local events, organizations, resources etc.
A rewarding part of Crime Prevention Week is recognizing the outstanding Albertans, businesses, youth and community organizations actively involved in preventing crime. This year, the Alberta Crime Prevention Awards ceremony will be held at Government House in Edmonton on May 14.
Taking Simple Steps to Secure Your Vehicle Can Deter Thieves
You might think that with security systems being standard equipment on many new cars, auto theft would be a thing of the past.
Would that it were true! Security systems terrific for fighting auto theft, but only a minority of vehicles have them. That means thieves have plenty of inventory from which to choose when they go shopping for curbed cars to cop.
So maybe you should think about adding one to your vehicle if you haven't already. Security systems come in many forms, from simple ones such as "Club-like" steering wheel locking devices to sophisticated electronic vehicle disabling devices.
They can cost from the tens to the hundreds of dollars. Whichever one you choose could make the difference between your car being an inviting or a forbidding target.
What else can you do? Quite a bit, actually.
"The best first step you can take," says Staff Sergeant Derek Curtis of the Calgary Police Service, "is simply to make sure you lock your vehicle, and hide any valuables you may have in it." S/Sgt. Curtis says it's amazing how many people neglect to do such a simple thing.
Another way to help keep your car safe is to park in well-lit, open places where potential thieves will have to come out of the shadows to get at it.
Electronic devices installed in your vehicle can be a prime target as well, and instead of your car being taken outright it could be badly damaged as the thieves break in and force the gadgets out. Stereos are a favourite target and, thanks to the increasing popularity of navigation systems, it probably won't be long before they're a popular item as well.
You may not be able to prevent the theft of such devices completely, but you can at least help ensure that you get them back after the culprits are caught. "Engrave your license number on them," advises S/Sgt. Curtis, "and have them installed with removable brackets or removable face plates that let you take them out of the dashboard and lock them in the trunk."
And don't forget to keep a record of their serial numbers, and don't leave the box or receipt for your electronics in your vehicle as the thief is likely to take it as well and use it to help sell your system.
You should also avoid leaving your engine running when you aren't in the vehicle. "That's a gold plated invitation to thieves," S/Sgt. Curtis says. "All they have to do is open the door and they're off - and you've helped them on their way."
And though it may not always be possible, S/Sgt. Curtis advises you to keep your eyes and ears open, and to report any questionable activity you may notice. "If you see suspicious people in or around motor vehicles, call the police" S/Sgt. Curtis says. If it isn't an emergency, call 266-1234. If it's a theft in progress, call 911.
With these few simple measures, among others, you can help keep your vehicle safe. And you don't have to spend a lot, especially when you compare the cost of the deductible on your insurance policy.
For more information and crime prevention tips, visit the Calgary Police Service Web site at www.calgarypolice.ca and click on "crime prevention."
Fighting Crime with Open Spaces
How and why someone commits a crime can depend greatly upon the opportunity to do so - and the surrounding environment has a lot to do with this.
"We constantly respond to our environment, whether we think about it or not," says Sergeant Marty Fulkerth of the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Unit. The effective design of our environment can not only help us feel safer, it can reduce opportunities for criminals.
That's why the Calgary Police Service began its Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) initiative, which helps create healthy, safe communities. It's a plan to design living areas that don't lend themselves to crime.
"Seeing and being seen are important aspects of crime prevention," says Fulkerth, referring to a technique called "natural surveillance."
It's used to decide where physical features such as windows, lighting and landscaping are placed to create clear lines of sight into and out of the property.
"A potential criminal is less likely to try something if he or she is at risk of being observed," says Fulkerth. It can be as simple as putting a window in front of an apartment building staircase so potential criminals know they can be seen if they sneak in, or using transparent fencing and landscaping that lets you surround your property while still maintaining a clear line of sight.
The bottom line is not to give would-be burglars and thieves a place to hide. So instead of blocking your driveway with massive solid gates, why not invest in beautiful wrought iron ones instead? You'll still have the protection and access control you want, but with improved sightlines that will keep the criminal element plainly in view.
Commercial properties can also benefit from CPTED. A parking garage is a lot less tempting for a thief if it's well-lit, open and airy and doesn't give culprits a place to skulk.
It's easiest to consider natural surveillance and the other concepts behind CPTED when a project is in the planning stages, but environmental design can also be adapted to existing properties.
It can start with something as simple as a lawnmower, because a well kept property sends the message that there's someone around. "it creates a sense of ownership," says Fulkerth.
Trimming the hedges around a playground or park not only makes it look nicer, it can improve the sightlines so predators won't have a place to hide. This could even save a child's life.
You can involved in CPTED, have your site assessed, or just get more information by contacting the Crime Prevention Unit, Calgary Police Service at (403) 206-8399.
Outwitting the Crooks
Securing Your Home Makes it Harder for Thieves
Thieves don't want trouble. They don't mind bothering you, but they want to take the easy route.
So you need take only a few simple steps to make breaking into your place more trouble than it's worth for burglars or vandals.
"Most burglaries can be prevented by using good locks, a few tools and some simple precautions," says Sergeant Marty Fulkerth of the Calgary Police Service. He adds that, while no home can ever be made completely theft-proof, you "don't need to live in fear of having your place violated. If the doors and windows of your home are locked and the doors are strong enough to resist a quick kick the culprit will probably look for an easier target."
There are other steps you and your neighbours can take to ensure the safety and security of your neighbourhood. "There's strength in numbers," Fulkerth says, "and burglars don't like watchful neighbours who keep an eye out for each other." So start a Block Watch program - or join the existing Block Watch program. Call 509-2565 for more information.
Take a look around your yard to find areas that could be used by a potential burglar. Look for trees and bushes that could be used a hiding places. Keep your shrubbery trimmed - paying close attention to trees that grow near your house: could a burglar use them to climb through an unlocked upper window?
"Keep your yard well maintained to give the place a lived-in look," says Fulkerth. Cut your grass, rake the leaves, get rid of dead branches and other debris, and install outdoor lights to keep darker areas around doors or windows brightly lit.
Once you've done that, take a critical look at the house itself. Can emergency personnel see your home address clearly from the street, even after dark? Are your doors and windows secure?
Here are a few tips:
- Outside doors and frames should be made of solid wood or steel because they're harder to force open than hollow-core doors. Outside door frames should fit snugly (within 1/4 inch) against the door.
- Glass in outer doors should be away from the lock or be unbreakable.
- Outer doors should have deadbolt locks that need to be opened from the outside with a key.
- Have a peephole viewer installed on your entrance door.
- Secure sliding glass doors and windows by placing a wood stick or metal bar between the frame and the sliding door.
And if you're going to be away for extended periods such as vacations, arrange for someone to pick up your mail and other deliveries, stop receiving newspapers for the duration, and take steps to ensure the place looks lived it. You can use timers to turn lights on and off inside the house, have someone cut the lawn and keep the exterior tidy, and ask a friend or neighbour to park in your driveway while you're gone.
These few simple steps can help ensure your home stays safe and secure. For more information, check out the Calgary Police Service Web site's Crime Prevention section at www.calgarypolice.ca. Brochures are also available at district and storefront offices.
Apartment Security Tips
Break-ins are a violation of your personal space. They can also be expensive - or worse. Your valuables, some of which may be irreplaceable, may be taken from your most private locations, and your home could be trashed.
Even apartments with security systems aren't immune from being broken into, according to Sergeant Marty Fulkerth of the Calgary Police Service. "Apartment buildings are vulnerable to break-ins, theft and vandalism, because criminals have many ways of getting in," he says.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help prevent unauthorized people from getting into your building.
One of the most basic strategies, says Fulkerth is to "Never use the intercom's unlocking mechanism to let a stranger into the building," including people claiming to be delivering parcels or who say they live in the building but forgot their key. "If you don't know them personally, don't let them in."
A good way to avoid confusion and possible mistakes is to tell all tradespeople, delivery people and "solicitors" to contact the building manager for access. "And make sure your children and visitors know these rules, too," says Fulkerth. "Remember, you're responsible for any person you let in."
Fulkerth also advises that if you are having something delivered to your home, arrange to be there at the time of delivery to ensure that only the right people are entering your building.
Another way thieves can gain access is to confront an apartment dweller at the front door, with a story about why they need to get in. Never hold the outer door open for strangers when you come in or go out," Fulkerth says. "Tell them to buzz the person they're visiting or the resident manager." If you're uncomfortable interacting with a stranger, you can always "hang back" to avoid a confrontation and wait until the person moves on before unlocking the entrance door.
And don't forget to use these good bits of advice:
- Make a habit of locking the apartment door when you come home. A thief roaming the halls can steal your valuables in the time it takes to have a quick shower.
- Always lock your apartment door, windows and patio doors when you leave, even if you're just going to the laundry room or the mailbox. Lock them when you go to bed, too. Use a security bar to keep sliding glass doors closed.
- Never prop open the building's entrance doors and leave them unattended. If you're moving, post someone at the doors.
- Report any burnt-out lights, locks or doors that aren't working, or broken windows and request they be replaced as soon as possible.
- Report lost keys to the building manager immediately.
- Never put your identification or address on your key rings.
- If the door to your apartment doesn't have a deadbolt lock or peephole, ask the resident manager to have them installed.
- On the intercom panel, use only your first initial and last name.
- Have your keys out and ready as you approach the door.
- Get to know your neighbours! That way, you'll know if someone doesn't belong there.
"Arranging to keep an eye on each other's apartments is also a good way to help keep your building secure," says Fulkerth "as well as being a good neighbour."
If you see any suspicious-looking people in or around your building, call the Calgary Police Service immediately at 266-1234, then notify your building manager. If you suspect a crime is in progress, don't get involved yourself! You could be putting yourself in danger, as well as warning off a criminal. Instead, call 9-1-1 immediately.
More apartment security tips are available at the Calgary Police Service Web site at www.calgarypolice.ca. Click on the "Crime Prevention" link on the left hand side of the home page.
Calgary Police Service Facilities
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District Offices
District 1 Office
(Police Headquarters)
Main Floor
133-6th Ave S.E.
T2G 4Z1
206-1234
District 2 Office
4506-17th Ave S.W.
T3E 7B9
249-7701
District 3 Office
4303-14th St. N.W.
T2K 1J7
284-3393
District 4 Office
3207-12th Ave. N.E.
T2A 6N8
273-1888
District 5 Office
5401 Temple Dr. N.E.
T1Y 3R7
280-6677
District 6 Office
8325 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.
T2H 2R7
253-3376
District 7 Office
5720 Silver Springs Bvld. N.W.
T3B 4N7
288-5689
District 8 Office
(Mid-Sun Services Centre)
450 Midpark Way S.E.
T3X 3S4
296-2580
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Community Stations
BraeCentre
Community Station
11430 Braeside Drive S.W.
T2W 4X8
974-6150
Chinook Centre
Community Station
Chinook Centre
6455 Macleod Tr. South
221-0540
Market Mall
Community Station
Market Mall
3625 Shaganappi Tr. N.W.
T3A 0E2
974-0511/0512
North Hill
Community Station
1909-16th Ave N.W.
T2M 4V8
974-0663
Riverbend / Ogden
Community Station
#350, 8338-18th St. S.E.
T2C 4E4
216-1114
Southcentre
Community Station
Southcentre Mall
100 Anderson Rd. S.E.
T2J 3V1
974-0564
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Crime Prevention Week Displays at Sunridge Mall
May 14 to 15
Sunridge Mall, Centre Court
10 a.m. until mall closing Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SEE!
- The Calgary Police Paddy Wagon
- The Recruiting Humvee
- The Graffiti-mobile Beetle
- And the Cops for Kids Mazda RX-8!
Also on hand:
District 5 display - will have Rick Enns with Block Watch, Child Identification Program, Fingerprint and photograph your kids on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15 - help keep them safe.
Calgary Block Watch Council
There has been a Block Watch program operating in Calgary for the past 23 years. During that time, although the size and shape of the city has changed dramatically, the essentials of the Block Watch program have not. It remains as relevant today as always.
Exactly what does the program promote? It is simply about community - making communities as safe and strong as possible. This is achieved through unity and safety in numbers.
Getting to know one's neighbours, being alert to the patterns of behaviour in and around the block, being concerned for people's well being, making the extra effort to ensure the local environment is clean and tidy - these are all simple steps towards a safe and strong community.
A community that adopts such a lifestyle will then find taking basic crime prevention measures very straightforward. What follows is a community that develops a reputation for zero tolerance for any suspicions behaviour - everything unusual is reported to the Police. The result - an impregnable community.
Although Block Watch has been around for 23 years and has a strong reputation for crime prevention, there is still much to be done to ensure it keeps pace with a changing city. This year has already seen the launch of a new program - Apartment Watch - in which an apartment safety program is put into the hands of the residents and, for the first time ever, allows non-homeowners to join a Block Watch program.
Condo Watch, launching this month, further expands the Block Watch program, to both owners and renters in a community.
Later this year, a unique Block Watch Youth Community Leadership Program will be launched, aimed at developing the next generation of community members - the creating of a caring majority. At that stage, Block Watch will be available as a program for the first time ever to every citizen over the age of 12 in the city!
The final development this year is the need to recognize the contribution that the members of Block Watch make to society as a whole through building safer communities.
A Block Watch benefits package is being developed with local businesses that will contain discounts and special offers. With over 45,000 homes in the program, approximately 90,000 volunteers spread over 105 communities, developing a package that is relevant to everyone is however a major challenge!
Joining Block Watch is easy and it's free. To find out more, call the Calgary Block Watch Council at 509-2565.
Identity Theft a Troubling Trend
What if someone stole your identity and was pretending to be you?
It's called Identity Theft, and it's becoming increasingly common in Canada. And if you aren't careful, your credit rating, personal finances and even your ability to travel outside Canada could be affected.
Identity theft happens after someone obtains your personal information and uses it criminally. Once they have your information, identity thieves can use it to obtain a driver license, a Social Insurance Number card or medical services. They can commit tax fraud, steal money from your bank account, run up your credit card, or commit other crimes for which you could be blamed.
Identity thieves can find personal information about you very easily. According to Constable Kathy Macdonald of the Crime Prevention Unit, "They might steal your mail, poke through your garbage, or even read the information off a cheque you've written in a store." Insecure Internet sites, family members and guests or roommates can also gain access to your private data.
How can you know if your identity has been stolen? Macdonald says there are a few things you can watch for. "You could get a call from a creditor informing you that an application in your name has been received or declined for credit," she says "or receive statements or bills in your name for things you didn't buy." You could also notice that you're no longer receiving credit card statements or that not all of your mail is being delivered."
One of the most disturbing signs, according to Macdonald, "is when a collection agency announces that it's coming after you for an account you never opened."
But Macdonald also says there are many things you can do to protect yourself. "Start by being careful with how you dispose of personal information," she advises. "Shred all your bank statements and credit card applications instead of just throwing them out. Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately. And format or remove your old computer's hard drive before selling or disposing of it."
Other tips include:
- Limiting the amount of personal documents in your wallet or purse
- Being cautious of telephone/online surveys who request personal information
- Protecting your personal identification number (PIN) when entering it into a bank machine
And never give out personal information over the phone!
Identity theft is a the fastest growing commercial crime in North America. In 2002, 8,178 victims lost $8.8 million, while last year 13,359 people across Canada were victimized, 724 in Alberta, with losses totaling over $21 million.
Fortunately, governments and law enforcement agencies are taking action. The first legislation came into effect on January 01 via the federal government's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act (PIPEDA). It applies to all personal information collected, used or disclosed by private sector organizations in the course of commercial activity and requires them to seek the consent of individuals before obtaining, using or disclosing the data. They must also protect personal information with appropriate security safeguards, and allow the individuals concerned to access the information and correct it, if necessary.
Other tools are becoming available as well, including such technologies as Smart Cards and biometrics.
But while governments and law enforcement can help, it's really up to you to keep your private information private.
For more information on Identity Theft, call Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501 or surf by Calgary Crime Stoppers' Web site at http://www.calgarycrimestoppers.org/cyber.html.
Motorcycle Safety 101
Spring. The time when vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles return to our streets.
This means it's extra important for drivers to keep their eyes and ears open, to drive defensively, and to share the road with all other vehicles. For the motorcyclist, it's also a time of renewal - of the riding skills that have not been used over the winter months.
"Motorcyclists should remember that they've just had a long layoff," says Staff Sergeant Carl DeSantis of the Calgary Police Service, "and their two wheel driving skills have gotten rusty." DeSantis advises motorcyclists to take it easy for the first while, being extra careful on the road "Not just because they're new to riding again, but because drivers of cars and trucks also need to get used to cyclists being on the road again."
Springtime also means other road hazards. Pea gravel and other debris left over from the winter months can be especially dangerous to two wheeled vehicles.
DeSantis says that one way to help ensure motorcyclists stay alive on city streets is to "never enter an intersection without another vehicle to your sides, because if someone runs the red light, your more vulnerable vehicle is more likely to escape."
Riders should also be aware of their bike's position in the lanes of traffic. "Staying in sight of other vehicles, out of their blind spots, and in control of the lane can help keep you safe," says DeSantis. By "in control of the lane," he's reminding all motorists that all vehicles have equal rights. So motorcyclists have as much right to be there as cars.
And don't forget your safety gear - helmet, leathers or other heavier clothing, anything that can help keep you alive in the event of a collision.
DeSantis reminds drivers that they share the road and are responsible for their own driving. "Be extra aware of traffic around you," he says "and realize that motorcyclists can come up on you suddenly." He advises drivers to be particularly careful when turning, because motorcycles and bicycles can be hard to see.
This makes it particularly important to pay attention to blind spots between your mirrors, and to always drive defensively.
Of course that's good advice at any time...
Deerfoot Trail Growing Pains
Rush hour on Deerfoot trail - sometimes humourously called "the Deerfoot 500" - can be challenging. This year, it's going to be even more challenging for city drivers as the Trail undergoes some major renovations.
Getting past all the work will require your patience and tolerance - as well as good driving skills - for the next several months as each of these projects reaches completion.
And there are plenty of them! Starting at the "north end" of the Trail, a paving project between the city limits and Airdrie began last month and is scheduled to last another five months. Later this summer, they'll be paving the overpass area at Country Hills Boulevard and widening the southbound lanes of the Trail between Beddington Trail and 64th Avenue. They're also widening the intersection at the Barlow Trail/Peigan Trail intersection.
But the big bottleneck is at the Calf Robe Bridge, where the southbound lanes will be going through construction for two months. This is where the bulk of the delays will happen.
"Commuters in that area will face significant disruption" says Staff Sergeant Carl DeSantis of the Calgary Police Service. "The Southbound section will be merged into two lanes during daylight hours, and possibly down to a single lane on evenings or weekends."
DeSantis reminds motorists that the construction zones, including the ones south of the Calf Robe Bridge outlined below, have posted speed limits of 50 Km/h. He reminds motorists to exercise extreme caution in these zones and to keep their eyes on the road rather than the work going on around them. "Drive defensively," he says, "and remember to watch out for other motorists and workmen."
South of the Calf Robe Bridge, development is already underway between Heritage Drive and Southland, and later this summer, improvements will be made from Southland to Anderson Road and the Ivor Strong Bridge. Douglasdale residents are finally getting an interchange at their Deerfoot Trail intersection, although the work will take more than a year and will cause traffic disruptions during that time.
An interchange is also being built at Deerfoot and 130 Avenue.
Finally, a paving and landscaping operation has begun between McKenzie and Highway 2A that should make the route more pleasant and efficient to navigate.
That's a lot of disruption for one stretch of road, it'll result in an improved Deerfoot Trail that's better equipped to handle the increasing flow of traffic brought about by Calgary's growing population.
And don't forget: these and other road improvement and maintenance project may cause some traffic migration to other major roadways and that means drivers' should pay heightened attention because of the added congestion this will cause to other traffic arteries.
So try to take the "growing pains" with a smile, and keep in mind that the end result should be worth the wait.
Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program Promotes Safety
Residents of multiple dwelling buildings can take advantage of a program which helps ensure their safety and security.
It's the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, first begun in Mesa, Arizona in 1992 and now in communities across the United States and Canada. The volunteer-based initiative provides certification for a wide range of multi-family properties.
The program, introduced here in 2000 by the Calgary Police Service and the Alberta Residential Rental Association, is designed to discourage illegal activity. Aimed at property managers, the Crime Free Multi-housing Program can "Help increase the quality of life and residents' sense of security," according to Sergeant Marty Fulkerth of the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention unit, "while making the rental property more valuable, lowering maintenance and repair costs, and improving safety for residents, owners and managers."
Getting involved in the program also offers such benefits as:
- Tips they may need to protect their rights as property managers
- The benefits of applicant screening
- How to maintain proactive relationships with residents
- Maintaining a fire-safe environment
- Warning signs of illegal activity at your property
- Actions to take if you discover illegal activity on your property
- Crisis resolution and the eviction process
Three phases are involved in certification, the first of which is a training seminar. Phase two is a CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) inspection. "Here, we take a look at your property to assess its physical security and general appearance," says Fulkerth, "to identify any problem areas and come up with ways of making the environment less attractive to potential criminals." Phase Three sees the Calgary Police Service conduct an annual information session for residents that covers such topics as general safety principles, crime prevention, and the role of residents in the program. The Block Watch program is also spotlighted.
For more information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, contact Sergeant Marty Fulkerth at 509-1756.
Making Our Community Safer - A Block Watch Event
Learn how to Build a "Crime Free Community" at the Block Watch/Calgary Police Service Crime-free Community launch.
Displays include:
- Block Watch
- Calgary Police Service
Plus:
- ADT Security
- Alberta Motor Association
- Calgary Block Parent
- Calgary Community Radio Watch
- Calgary Crime Stoppers
- Calgary Drop In Centre
- Calgary Youth Justice Society
- High Security Lock
- MR. GOODBAR
- My Automotive Shoppe
- Quinn Security
- Safe and Sound
- Safer Streets
Saturday, May 8, 2004
1 to 5 p.m.
11 Edmonton Trail N.E.
(Beside Donut Time and Bridgeland Esso)
(In case of bad weather the event will be moved to St. Vladimir's Cultural Centre, 404 Meredith Road N.E.)
FREE COFFEE, DOUGHNUTS AND MORE!
Please bring donations of non-perishable food, household items or cash for the Calgary Drop In Centre. CDIC will offer tours of the centre, just across the bridge.
For information call:
Irene Hammerling 269-1579
Keith Johnson 230-0529
Sgt. Dean LaGrange 284-3393
The Calgary Police Commission
"To ensure that the Police Service responds to the needs of the people of Calgary for a safe city."
So says the Mission Statement of the Calgary Police Commission, the volunteer group which oversees the Calgary Police Service. The commission is made up of nine members, all civilians appointed by City Council. Seven of the members are appointed from the public at large; two are municipal appointees who may be municipal employees or Aldermen.
The City of Calgary advertises in the late summer for applications from people interested in serving on the commission. Appointments are made at the annual Organizational meeting of Council in October. Commission members serve for a term of two years and may be appointed for up to three terms.
The 2003 - 2004 Members of the Calgary Police Commission are:
- Chairman - Vacant
- Neil Dobson - Vice Chairman
- David N. Fanstone - Vice Chairman
- Craig Burrows
- Darren Caul
- Sandra Durrant
- Robert A.F. Montgomery
- John Schmal
- Ian Wilms
Under the Police Act of Alberta, the Calgary Police Commission is responsible for appointing the Chief of Police, establishing priorities for effective and efficient policing, allocating the funds earmarked by city council for policing, and monitoring the public complaint process.
The complaint process is designed to resolve any issues that might come up between citizens and the Calgary Police Service and its members. Complaints can include:
- on-duty actions of the Chief of Police
- on-duty actions of any police officer
- Calgary Police Service policies
- The quality of service provided by the Calgary Police Service
Complaints about off-duty conduct may also be considered if there's a connection between the conduct and the police officer's position.
The Commission also welcomes hearing compliments about the Calgary Police Service...
To contact the Calgary Police Commission, call 206-8914 or check out the City of Calgary's website.
THE 2004 CALGARY POLICE COMMISSION
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CHAIRMAN
Shortly before this edition of the Police Advisor went to press, Chairman Donald S. Heasman passed away suddenly. Mr. Heasman was a valued and respected member of the commission and will be greatly missed. His successor as Chairman of the Calgary Police Commission had not been named at time of publication.
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NEIL DOBSON - VICE CHAIRMAN
Mr. Dobson moved to Calgary from Lethbridge, where he served as Chairman of the Lethbridge Municipal Police Commission. He is a lawyer with the Federal Department of Justice.
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DAVID FANSTONE - VICE CHAIRMAN
Mr. Fanstone is the Chair of the Commission's Finance and Audit Committee. He is currently the Director, Energy Risk & Corporate Credit for Enmax. Prior to that he was Director, Enterprise Risk Management at TransCanada PipeLines Limited.
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CRAIG BURROWS
Mr. Burrows was elected to his first term as Alderman for Ward Six in October 2001. He sits on the Calgary Grey Cup Committee and is a member of the Board of Directors for the PC Alberta riding of Calgary West.
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SANDRA DURRANT
Ms. Durrant retired after ten years with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, where she was responsible for the private dining club facilities, staff and building operations. She is actively involved with the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Board as a Senior Associate and Chairman of the Caravan Committee and the Hong Kong Promotion.
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JOHN SCHMAL
Mr. Schmal graduated in Business Administration/Management at the University of Calgary. He has been an Alderman in Calgary for 18 years! Prior to becoming a full-time Alderman, he was employed in the oil and gas industry.
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DARREN CAUL
Mr. Caul was appointed to the Commission in 1999, and again in 2003. He has a diverse portfolio within the criminal justice system, having worked with victims, offenders and communities.
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IAN WILMS
Mr. Wilms has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University, and has achieved the designation of Professional Logistician from the Canadian Logistics Institute. He is also a student of the Harvard Business School.
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ROBERT MONTGOMERY
After graduating from the Royal Canadian Naval College, Queen's University, and the University of Toronto, Mr. Montgomery began a successful law career in government and private practice. In 1982 he was appointed a Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. In 1998 he retired from the Court, and presently works for Macleod Dixon,
The Calgary Police Service - Maintaining High Professional Standards
The Calgary Police Service prides itself on its professionalism, compassion and fairness in its dealings with the public. But, sometimes conflicts arise and occasionally a member of the public wants to complain about a police officer.
"Citizens can file compliments or complaints about the on-duty actions of any police officer right up to the level of Chief," says Acting Inspector Brian Whitelaw of the Calgary Police Service Professional Standards Section. Complaints can also cover such areas as police policies or the overall quality of service provided by the CPS. "Through our Citizen Complaints Unit we provide full service complaint resolution for citizens, ranging from providing information, referral to mediation and formal investigation of complaints."
The Police Act requires the Calgary Police Service to investigate all public complaints. Some citizens may be willing to have a supervisor inquire into their concerns, while some matters are more appropriately dealt with through the formal investigative process to maintain public confidence in the Calgary Police Service. "The goal of the Professional Standards Section is to ensure complaints or concerns are dealt with quickly," says Whitelaw.
Using an informal resolution process, the complainant contacts the Citizen Complaints Unit sergeant and discusses how a matter can be resolved. This usually leads to the matter being referred to a supervisor (a process called Supervisor Intervention), where the officer's supervisor is made aware of the concern, speaks with the complainant, the officer involved, and any other people who may have pertinent information. Whitelaw says the supervisor then reviews all the information and tries to resolve the situation. Whenever possible and appropriate, the supervisor responds with a remedy tailored to improve the performance of the officer and/or the Calgary Police Service.
If this doesn't clear things up, the complaint may then proceed to mediation or to a formal investigation. Mediation involves a face to face meeting with everyone involved and includes a professional mediator who is not an employee of the Police Service. The mediation process is completely confidential, so citizens and police officers will be encouraged to speak freely. "If all the matters are resolved successfully," says Whitelaw, "the complainant is asked to sign a complaint withdrawal. Otherwise, the matter can proceed to a formal investigation."
Formal investigations are reserved for the most serious complaints, or those that can't be resolved using the other methods. Allegations of a criminal nature proceed directly to a formal investigation, many of which are looked into by the Internal Affairs Unit. "It is just as important to identify criminal wrongdoing as it is to exonerate a police officer" says Whitelaw. "The investigation is a search for the truth".
Whitelaw notes that sometimes complaints can be made about an officer's off-duty conduct as well, especially if it is conduct that offends the community.
"Filing a complaint is pretty straightforward," says Whitelaw. It must be in writing and signed by the complainant and can be mailed, faxed or hand delivered to the Calgary Police Service or Calgary Police Commission. Complaints about the Chief of Police must go directly to the Calgary Police Commission.
A complaint should include the place, date and time of the incident as well as the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. It should also include the name and/or badge number of the officer(s) involved, the number of the police vehicle and a description of what happened that caused the concern. Copies of any documents issued during the incident, such as tickets or summonses, should also be included. A complaint can be lodged by someone else if they represent a minor child or a person with disabilities.
If a complainant or police officer isn't satisfied with the outcome of the process, it can be appealed within 30 days to the Provincial Law Enforcement Review Board. "The idea is to find a solution that's fair to everyone concerned," says Whitelaw.
For more information on filing a complaint, contact the Calgary Police Service, Professional Standards Section at (403) 206-5904, or write:
Calgary Police Service
Professional Standards Section
133 - 6 Ave. S.E.
Calgary, AB T2G 4Z1
Dare to Care Program Mobilizes Communities
Bullies.
Everybody knows one, but not everybody knows how to deal with one. A community program funded by EnCana Corporation is changing that - in Calgary and in communities across Canada.
The Dare to Care: Bully-Proofing Your School program was launched in Calgary in 1998 by Lisa Dixon-Wells, a former teacher and guidance counsellor, as a way to help children, teachers, parents, schools and communities stand up to bullies.
EnCana - one of the world's leading independent oil and gas companies - has supported the program since 2000, sponsoring presentations in Calgary and the many communities in which it operates.
"Our philosophy is to shift the balance of power from the hands of a few into the hands of the caring majority," says Dixon-Wells. She adds Dare to Care "mobilizes people into action and helps them stand up for what's right and for each other."
Bullying takes many forms. Bullies may hit, punch or kick, steal, blame or intimidate. They can also confront, threaten, stalk, name-call, spread malicious gossip and turn others against their victims. No matter what bullies do, their intent is always the same: to gain power over their victims.
What's worse is that bullying leads to more bullying - young children who are school-yard bullies often grow up to be bullies in the workplace, at home, in social settings and in sports.
Dixon-Wells says parents and teachers also want to deal with the hidden culture of aggression among girls. "It's becoming an increasingly difficult problem because of its covert nature. We call it social alienation and it can be a very hurtful form of bullying."
While bullying by youngsters is not limited to schoolyards and hallways, most Dare to Care presentations are made at schools. "Bullying is not just a school issue, but schools do give us access to a large number of kids and parents."
Dixon-Wells' program has proven so inspirational and successful - bullying and associated problems such as peer confrontation and vandalism drop by 50 per cent or more in schools and communities mobilized by Dare to Care's messages and strategies - that it's been expanded to cover other topics such as smoking, drug and alcohol use and abuse, body image and family violence. Today, the program is called Dare to Care: Life Skills and Bully-proofing Your School.
"EnCana has been thrilled with the response to the Dare to Care program," says Mary Ann Steen, EnCana's Manager of Community Investment. "When Dwayne Peace approached us about joining forces with Lisa Dixon-Wells to expand the program, it was an easy decision. Lisa and Dwayne are able to reach a much wider audience and their messages motivate people to act on these issues."
"Our goal is to educate kids and parents and to help kids realize that every decision has consequences," says Dwayne Peace, a retired Calgary Police Service officer who presents the Dare to Care program's "life skills and challenges" topics to junior and senior high school students. "A lot of kids don't think about the impact of what they do until it's too late . . . when they have knowledge they usually make the "right" choice."
Peace stresses the presentations are not lectures about what kids should and shouldn't do. "We present kids with information about what the consequences are of their choices."
When you Dare to Care
The Dare to Care program offers several options for schools and communities. They include:
- A day-long professional development workshop for teachers, school staff and administrators, and community workers
- Parent information presentations (about two to three hours long)
- In-school presentations (which can be 20 minutes to two hours long)
- Discussion of topics ranging from bullying to body image
- Bullying presentations can be made to students of all ages; life challenge presentations are limited to junior and senior high school students.
Interested in having a Dare to Care presentation at your school or community? Drop an e-mail message to kidsmatter@shaw.ca or call (403) 620-5156.
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