Operation Order: Calgary Police Conduct Downtown Sweep
On November 5, Calgary Police Service officers assembled in large numbers downtown for "Operation Order," a coordinated effort targeting crime and social disorder. Officers from all city districts were deployed to patrol key areas including the East Village, Stephen Avenue, and Century Gardens.
Addressing Public Safety Concerns
The patrols aim to respond to ongoing concerns from Calgarians about safety in the downtown core. Police Chief Katie McLellan emphasized the urgency of tackling rising violence, especially against vulnerable groups such as the unhoused, security personnel, social workers, and law enforcement officers.
"This is not just about statistics. It’s also about how people feel when they walk through our streets, ride transit or visit public spaces. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their city, and this operation will save lives."
— Chief Katie McLellan
Long-Term Commitment
Chief McLellan made clear that the operation is part of an ongoing strategy rather than a one-time intervention. The police will continue similar actions, followed by assessments and adjustments to improve public safety.
"Today just isn’t a one-day blitz. We will continue to do this going forward after today, we will debrief, and we will assess, and we will reassess. This just isn’t one and done."
— Chief Katie McLellan
As of 4:30 p.m. on November 5, the operation was actively in progress, aiming to restore confidence in downtown safety.
Summary: Calgary Police launched "Operation Order" to combat violence and restore public safety downtown, committing to sustained efforts beyond a single-day operation.