High-Visibility Police Operation Reduces Disorder Calls in Downtown Calgary

Operation Order Leads to Decrease in Disorder Calls Downtown

A continued high-visibility policing initiative in downtown Calgary has resulted in a noticeable decline in publicly reported disorder calls for service. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, authorities carried out another phase of Safer Calgary – Operation Order, targeting priority locations across the city’s core.

The operation focused on areas including East Village, Stephen Avenue, Century Gardens Park, Central Memorial Park, and transit hubs near the Chinook and Sunalta LRT stations. Officers from the Calgary Police Service worked alongside Calgary Community Safety, Transit Public Safety, Alberta Health Services – Emergency Health Services, and the Alberta Sheriffs to enhance public safety through visible patrols and coordinated enforcement.

Proactive Policing and Community Outreach

Chief Katie McLellan said the initiative reflects a sustained effort to restore safety in public spaces while ensuring individuals in need are connected to support services. Officers conducted strategic patrols, carried out enforcement actions where required, and made referrals to social agencies.

Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, stated that the operation was about more than enforcement. He emphasized that inter-agency cooperation aims to strengthen safety while addressing underlying social challenges.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas noted that residents have expressed a strong desire for safer streets and transit systems. He highlighted the importance of balancing crime prevention with efforts to tackle root causes.

Key Results and Statistics

The operation generated significant activity and measurable outcomes:

• Calls attended: 269
• People charged: 9
• Total charges laid: 25
  • 16% under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • 32% related to breaches of release conditions
  • 24% weapons-related
• Summonses issued: 91
• Warrants executed: 133
• Proactive community engagements: 612
• Social agency referrals: 132

Authorities also seized various drugs, knives, a baton, bear spray, and a chain modified into a weapon.

Operation Highlights

During patrols, officers connected a woman facing housing challenges with appropriate support services. In another incident, officers administered Naloxone to an individual believed to be overdosing. Despite emergency response efforts, one man was later declared deceased.

Near the Chinook LRT station, officers again administered Naloxone to a man in medical distress, who regained consciousness before paramedics arrived. Officers also arrested individuals for public intoxication, weapons possession, and outstanding warrants, including one individual wanted on 13 warrants.

Community safety partners identified an unoccupied encampment along the CPKN rail line containing propane tanks and hazardous debris. Cleanup crews were coordinated to remove the materials safely.

Ongoing Focus on Downtown Safety

Officials say Operation Order remains part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and strengthen community confidence in Calgary’s downtown core. Additional targeted operations may continue as authorities monitor trends and adjust resources accordingly.

Source: The City of Calgary Newsroom