'Operation Order' Leads to Downtown Sweep by Calgary Police Service
On November 5, Calgary Police Service officers assembled in large numbers downtown for an initiative known as Operation Order, aimed at tackling crime and social disorder. Dozens of officers from all city districts were briefed and deployed to patrol key areas including the East Village, Stephen Avenue, and Century Gardens.
The operation was organized to respond to the ongoing perception among Calgarians that the downtown core is unsafe. Police Chief Katie McLellan emphasized the importance of restoring both safety and public confidence in these spaces.
“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,”
Chief McLellan noted that the initiative was more than a one-day crackdown. She highlighted that similar coordinated efforts will continue, with regular evaluations to ensure sustained results.
“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.”
As of the late afternoon, officers remained active across multiple downtown locations, marking a visible step toward strengthening community safety and public confidence.
Author’s summary:
Calgary Police launched a large-scale downtown patrol to improve safety perception, pledging ongoing operations beyond the initial day’s sweep.