A collaborative effort from business owners, residents, bylaw officers, the Calgary Parking Authority and the Calgary Police Service has resulted in a drastic decrease in criminal activity, including drug trafficking and prostitution, along International Avenue over the last few years,
Now, police have created a Beat Team to ensure unsavory activity does not return to the area.
On Thursday, the Calgary Police Service unveiled its International Avenue Beat Team, a group of 16 constables and one sergeant, which will patrol the street on foot. The Beat Team will operate seven days a week, between 18 and 20 hours a day.
“Personally, I’ve been out here for seven years,” said CPS Sgt. Phil Hoetger. “There are a lot of excellent people. With the extra police officers, we will get to spend even more time with the businesses.”
The initiative follows a June police operation targeting street-level prostitution and drug trade along 17 Ave. S.E. and neighbouring roads which resulted in:
- Charges against 39 people
- The seizure of 22 vehicles
- The removal of an undisclosed amount of drugs from city streets
While police cleaned the area of criminal activity, the community came together to physically tidy their neighbourhood.
- On June 28, members of the Forest Lawn and Alberta Park community associations were joined by business owners, Calgary Fire Department members, and city workers for a community cleanup and garbage drop day.
- The Calgary Parking Authority is addressing parking issues in the area, including the removal of abandoned vehicles and ticketing derelict vehicles.
- The CPS Traffic Section is responding to pedestrian and traffic concerns in the neighbourhoods, with an emphasis on catching crosswalk infractions, speeding vehicles, and jaywalkers.
- Animal & Bylaw Services officers continue to investigate complaints against homeowners and business owners
- Employees with Waste & Recycling Services are cleaning neighbourhood alleyways
