2024: A Year of Progress and Challenges for the Calgary Police Service
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) experienced both significant victories and setbacks in 2024. A prominent achievement was the marked decrease in gun violence incidents. Compared to the same period in 2023, shootings were down by approximately one-third, indicating the effectiveness of focused efforts to combat gun-related crime. This positive trend signifies a safer environment for Calgary residents and highlights the CPS’s commitment to public safety. Chief Mark Neufeld, in a year-end interview with Global News, acknowledged the dedication and strategic initiatives that led to this substantial reduction in gun violence, recognizing it as a major win for the police force and the community.
However, the year also presented a significant challenge for the CPS in the form of impending changes to photo radar enforcement. Currently, a substantial portion of speeding tickets, about 60%, are issued through automated systems. New provincial regulations set to take effect on April 1, 2025, will eliminate photo radar ticketing on provincial highways and at speed-on-green intersections. This change poses a twofold problem for the CPS. First, it will result in a substantial loss of revenue generated from these automated tickets. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it will necessitate a reallocation of police resources. Officers will need to be diverted from other duties to manually enforce traffic laws, potentially impacting the CPS’s ability to address other critical areas of crime and public safety.
Looking ahead to 2025, Chief Neufeld anticipates a heightened focus on border control, a concern shared by both U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The CPS recognizes the importance of border security in addressing the flow of illegal drugs and firearms between Canada and the United States. Neufeld emphasizes that this issue directly impacts the safety and well-being of Calgarians and requires collaborative efforts to strengthen border integrity and combat cross-border criminal activity.
The successful reduction in gun violence serves as a testament to the CPS’s proactive approach and dedication to addressing critical safety concerns within the community. The data clearly demonstrates a downward trend in shooting incidents, marking a significant victory in the fight against gun-related crime. This achievement underlines the effectiveness of targeted strategies and the commitment of the police force to ensuring a safer environment for Calgary residents.
Conversely, the impending changes to photo radar enforcement present a complex challenge for the CPS. The loss of revenue coupled with the need to redeploy officers for manual traffic enforcement creates a strain on resources and potentially impacts the overall effectiveness of policing efforts. This situation requires careful consideration and strategic planning to mitigate the negative consequences and ensure that public safety remains the top priority.
In summary, 2024 proved to be a year of contrasting developments for the CPS. While the significant reduction in gun violence represents a major accomplishment, the challenges posed by changes to photo radar enforcement require careful navigation and strategic resource management. The upcoming focus on border security further underscores the complex landscape of law enforcement and the need for collaborative efforts to address evolving threats and ensure the safety and well-being of the community. The CPS enters 2025 with a mix of optimism based on positive outcomes and a recognition of the ongoing need for adaptation and strategic planning to navigate the challenges ahead.
