Mobile station to boost downtown security
A new roving police station will be deployed throughout Calgary as police aim to fill gaps throughout the city through “new and innovative ways.”
The new Mobile Community Outreach Police Station has already hit the streets downtown. Calgary police say the mobile reporting station can be deployed anywhere in the city based on the needs of the community. Police currently plan to use it throughout the city centre from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday to Thursday.
“We heard loud and clear from the downtown communities that a highly-visible policing presence is very important to them, and our statistics reflect this need,” Staff Sgt. Shawn Wallace said in a release. “We also recognized the restrictions bricks-and-mortar buildings have in relation to being responsive to changing needs and crime trends. We have found an innovative solution that pairs highly-visible and community responsive policing with operational and fiscal efficiencies.”
Police say the mobile station could come in handy at large events, due to its flexible deployment, allowing it to fit the needs of the city at any given time.
Its locations will be shared on Calgary police social media channels.
In December 2017, police conducted a pilot project that spanned two months, using its existing resources such as the Mobile Command Vehicle and Checkstop bus to increase its presence in the core.
“The aim was to deploy resources to areas of identified need to address issues of social disorder and public safety, while providing the public an opportunity to engage with officers and ask questions,” police stated.
Earlier this year, Calgary police closed the service’s Market Mall community station, following a review into the number of calls for service at the station.
The review showed call volumes didn’t warrant having full-time positions at the location.
Police said the closure was necessary due to the evolution in the way crimes are reported, including online options people are increasingly using.
Last year, Calgary police also announced the closure of the service’s Victoria Park satellite station. Chief Roger Chaffin said at the time the move was part of a larger strategy to consolidate its leased spaces and put that money to better use.