On November 5, Calgary Police Service officers convened in large numbers downtown for "Operation Order," aimed at tackling crime and social unrest. Officers from across all city districts were dispatched to patrol key areas including the East Village, Stephen Avenue, and Century Gardens.
The operation responds to ongoing public concerns about safety in downtown Calgary. Police Chief Katie McLellan highlighted that violence levels against vulnerable groups—such as unhoused individuals, security personnel, social workers, and law enforcement—have reached a six-year peak and must be halted.
“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,” said Chief McLellan.
Chief McLellan emphasized that the effort extends beyond a one-day initiative focused on arrests and deterring disorder. The Calgary Police Service plans to continuously execute, evaluate, and adjust this strategy.
“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,” she affirmed.
The operation reflects Calgary Police's ongoing commitment to restoring a sense of safety downtown and addressing the root causes of social disorder.
Author's summary: Calgary Police's "Operation Order" mobilizes citywide officers to improve downtown safety and combat a recent surge in violence affecting vulnerable communities, signaling sustained enforcement efforts ahead.