Calgary Community Peace Officers to Operate Under Police Command in Effort to Tackle Fentanyl Crisis

Introduction

Alberta is taking a bold step to address the growing fentanyl crisis, with the provincial government calling for a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies. In a letter sent to municipalities across the province, including Calgary and Edmonton, Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis has requested that community peace officers temporarily fall under the command of local police services. This move aims to strengthen the fight against the illicit drug trade and related social disorder. The decision comes as fentanyl continues to wreak havoc on communities, leading to a surge in health emergencies, overdoses, and crime.

Ellis emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the fentanyl crisis has created "serious health and wellness issues" that require immediate action. He asked municipalities to align their community peace officer programs under police leadership, ensuring a unified response to the crisis. This temporary measure is designed to streamline law enforcement efforts, ensuring a more effective approach to combating the distribution of fentanyl and addressing its consequences.

Calgary’s Response to the Provincial Request

In Calgary, the announcement has sparked both cooperation and caution. Mayor Jyoti Gondek attended a meeting with the minister and other stakeholders, noting that the city already has a coordinated response system in place. This includes joint patrols involving police, transit peace officers, security guards, and outreach teams, particularly in the downtown core and along the transit network.

Gondek highlighted the dual focus of these efforts: providing care for individuals in crisis due to fentanyl use while cracking down on those supplying the drug. However, she clarified that the chain of command for peace officers remains under the City of Calgary, not the police service—a point that could change as the province’s request is implemented. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has confirmed that peace officers will begin operating under police command as part of the new "Safer Calgary" initiative.

The "Safer Calgary" Initiative

The "Safer Calgary" initiative represents a significant shift in the city’s approach to tackling the fentanyl crisis. Under this plan, peace officers will work more closely with police to focus on fentanyl distribution, social disorder, and related crimes. While the exact details of the initiative are still being finalized, the CPS has emphasized that this coordinated effort will expand previous measures aimed at enforcing key issues, including social disorder and encampments.

The initiative reflects the provincial government’s push for a more unified and robust response to the fentanyl crisis. By bringing peace officers under police command, officials hope to maximize resources and ensure a more effective crackdown on the drug trade. However, the move has also raised questions about the potential consequences of increased policing in communities already struggling with addiction and social challenges.

Concerns About the Approach

While the province’s move has been met with support from some, others have expressed concerns about its potential impact. Experts like Doug King, a justice studies professor at Mount Royal University, have warned about the unintended consequences of increased policing. King noted that such measures could overload the justice system, including the Calgary Remand Centre and courts, without addressing the root causes of the crisis.

"We’re going to fill up the [Calgary Remand Centre], we’re going to fill up the courts system. Is that what you want to do? And to what purpose, because that’s not going to solve the problem," King said. His comments highlight the need for a balanced approach that combines enforcement with support for those struggling with addiction.

Broader Implications and Next Steps

The Calgary Police Commission, the civilian oversight body for the CPS, has also weighed in on the issue. While it expressed support for any measures that address fentanyl use and social disorder, the commission emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of bringing peace officers under police command. The commission noted that decisions about resource deployment are typically made by a joint management team involving both the police and the city.

As the province and municipalities move forward with this initiative, the focus will likely shift to evaluating its effectiveness and ensuring that it does not disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether this coordinated effort can make a meaningful difference in the fight against fentanyl, while also addressing the broader social issues that contribute to the crisis.

Conclusion

The decision to place Calgary’s community peace officers under police command represents a significant step in Alberta’s response to the fentanyl crisis. While the move is driven by a desire to enhance enforcement and coordination, it has also sparked important discussions about the role of policing in addressing addiction and social disorder. As the province and municipalities implement this initiative, they will need to balance the need for robust enforcement with compassion and support for those affected by the crisis. The success of this effort will depend on collaboration, careful planning, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of the problem.