Calgary Police Unveil Community Safety Strategy Focused on Prevention and Partnerships
The five-year plan emphasizes diversion, mental health response, and neighbourhood engagement over traditional policing.
The Calgary Police Service has released a new five-year community safety strategy that shifts resources toward prevention, mental health crisis response, and partnerships with social service agencies.
A New Approach
Chief Mark Neufeld said the strategy reflects a recognition that policing alone cannot solve complex social problems like addiction, homelessness, and domestic violence.
“We can’t arrest our way out of these challenges,” Neufeld told reporters at police headquarters. “Our communities are asking us to work differently, and we’re listening.”
Key Initiatives
The plan includes the expansion of the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), which pairs officers with mental health clinicians to respond to crisis calls. PACT will grow from 10 to 25 teams over the next three years.
Other initiatives include a new community safety investment fund, neighbourhood-level problem-solving teams, and enhanced data sharing with Alberta Health Services and community organizations.
Community Response
Social service agencies broadly welcomed the strategy. The Alpha House Society, which operates shelters and outreach programs, called it “a meaningful step forward.”
However, some community groups expressed scepticism. Forest Lawn community leader Ahmed Omar said residents need to see action, not plans.
“We’ve heard promises before. What we need are more officers walking our streets, more mental health supports, and faster response times. Show us results.”
The strategy’s implementation will be overseen by a civilian advisory committee that includes representatives from diverse communities, Indigenous organizations, and the business sector.
