Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get a Criminal Information Check / Security Clearance? (Answer)
- Where do I go for fingerprinting? (Answer)
- How do I report a bad driver / How do I report a traffic concern in my neighbourhood? (Answer)
- How do I report graffiti in my neighbourhood? (Answer)
- Where can I find local bylaw information? (Answer)
- Where and when do police auctions take place? (Answer)
- How do I report illegally parked vehicles or vehicles that have been abandoned on or near my property? (Answer)
- How do I report a fraud or fraudulent/spam activity? (Answer)
- How do I report a missing person or get information on a missing person? (Answer)
- How to I compliment / complain about a member of the Calgary Police Service? (Answer)
- I would like to become a police officer. Is the CPS hiring? (Answer)
- How do I apply to become a civilian employee? (Answer)
- I’d like to volunteer for the Calgary Police Service. How can I do this? (Answer)
Traffic Offence Related - I’ve lost my traffic ticket, where can I go to get it reissued? (Answer)
- What is the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program? (Answer)
- Where does the money from Automated Traffic Enforcement go? (Answer)
- If I plead guilty to an Automated Traffic Enforcement offence notice/ticket, will I receive demerits against my driver’s license? (Answer)
- I received an offence notice/ticket in the mail, but someone else was driving. Can you send the offence notice/ticket to the individual that was driving? (Answer)
- Does someone review the photographs before motorists are ticketed? (Answer)
- Who is responsible for setting the speed limits and speed zone signage? (Answer)
- Who sets the fine amounts? (Answer)
- What will happen if I do not pay my fines by the due date? (Answer)
- How can I pay an overdue fine? (Answer)
- I received an Automated Traffic Enforcement offence notice/ticket in the mail and I don’t agree with it. Who can I contact to further discuss this matter? (Answer)
- On my Automated Traffic Enforcement offence notice/ticket, when detailing the information regarding the date and time of the offence, why does it say “On or about?” (Answer)
- How does Photo Radar work? (Answer)
- How many Photo Radar vehicles are deployed throughout the City of Calgary? (Answer)
- There is a vehicle traveling the opposite direction in the photograph; how can you be sure it was my vehicle that was speeding? (Answer)
- How are Photo Radar enforcement locations selected? What are the current Photo Radar and Portable Red Light Camera locations? (Answer)
- Why is there a person in the Photo Radar vehicle? (Answer)
- Why does Photo Radar occasionally operate in areas designated “No Stopping/No Parking?” (Answer)
- How do I get Photo Radar to set up on my street? (Answer)
- How many Intersection Safety Cameras are installed throughout the City of Calgary? (Answer)
- There are other vehicles traveling beside me in the photo. How do you know I was the one who was speeding? (Answer)
- Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection? (Answer)
- Will I get a ticket for turning right on a red light? (Answer)
- I see small cameras mounted on top of the traffic lights at many intersections throughout the City of Calgary - are these Intersection Safety Cameras? (Answer)
- I was driving through an intersection and the camera flashed. I don’t believe I was speeding and I don’t think I entered the intersection on a red light. Why did it flash? (Answer)
- Who can I contact if I have further questions about the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program (ATEP) in Calgary? (Answer)
Other
- What can I do to prepare for emergencies? (Answer)
- How many police chiefs has the Calgary Police Service had? (Answer)
1) How do I get a Criminal Information Check / Security Clearance?
If you live in Calgary
For a Police Information Check, also known as a Security Clearance, you must bring identification and payment to one of the following locations (click on the links for location hours):
* District 1 Ramsay
1010 26 Ave. S.E.
* District 5
800 Saddletowne Circle N.E.
* District 7
11955 Country Village Link N.E.
* District 8
450 Midpark Way S.E.
* CPS Administration Building
East Building
5111 47 St. N.E.
Monday - Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on weekends and statutory holidays
* Victoria Park Station
334 11 Ave S.E.
* CPS Traffic Section
6528 11 St. N.E
The cost is $30 for employment and $15 for volunteers/unpaid practicums (with a letter from your organization) and payment can be made by AMEX, Visa, MasterCard, or Interac. Cash is accepted at the CPS Administration Building only.
You must bring two pieces of government-issued identification. One must have a photo (i.e. driver's licence, passport, citizenship card). The other can be one of the following: social insurance card, healthcare card, birth certificate.
If you have any questions, please contact the Police Information Check Unit at (403) 206-2052 or cps-picunit@calgarypolice.ca
If you live outside of Calgary
To obtain a Calgary Police Service Police Information Check (PIC), there are two options available to applicants who reside in another city, province or country:
Option One - By mail:
Send a letter of authorization requesting a Police Information Check to:
Calgary Police Service
Police Information Check Unit #507
5111 47 St. N.E.
Calgary, Alberta, T3J 3R2 CANADA
This letter must be signed, dated, include your email address and include the following:
- A completed Police Information Check "Consent to Search and Disclosure of Personal Information" form. Please ensure both the front and back (Part 2) are filled out completely and both sides are signed and initialed. We are not able to complete a Vulnerable Sector search for anyone not living in Calgary, you must go to your local police service for this service.
- Photocopy of two pieces of government-issued ID. One must have a photograph such as a driver's licence, photo identification from a motor vehicle registry or a passport. The second piece should be a birth certificate, social insurance card or government-issued health care card. Your photocopied identification must be notarized by a Notary Public or verified by a police service, including their official stamp.
- Payment by certified cheque or money order in the amount of $65, made payable to 'Calgary Police Service'. If you live in Alberta, the cost is $30.
- An original set of fingerprints is required only if you have been fingerprinted in Canada for a criminal conviction for which you have not received a pardon. These can be obtained from your local law enforcement agency where you currently reside OR you may submit a completed "self declaration" form.
Option Two - Send a representative:
A representative may apply, in person, for a Police Information Check on your behalf the CPS Administration Building location only. You must provide them with the documentation outlined in option one.
They will require an original signed letter of authorization from yourself, giving them permission to apply for a Police Information Check from the Calgary Police Service on your behalf. This letter must include the individual's name and they must show government photo identification.
The cost is $65; if you live in Alberta, the cost is $30. Your representative may pay by debit, AMEX, Visa or Mastercard. You may request up to three original copies of the PIC for the price indicated. If extra copies are required, please include that in your letter of authorization.
If you have any questions, please contact the Police Information Check Unit at (403) 206-2052 or cps-picunit@calgarypolice.ca
Volunteers
If you are a volunteer, please check with your organization for specific handling policies or arrangements with the Calgary Police Service.
If your agency is registered with the Calgary Police Service, your Police Information Check (PIC) can be processed by mail for a cost of $15. Contact your organization for more information.
If your volunteer organization has a Voluntary Organization Authorization Number (VOAN) issued by Volunteer Alberta, that number must be on a volunteer letter issued from the organization; please bring it with you when you apply for a PIC. For further information on VOANs, please contact Volunteer Alberta.
Security Guards/Locksmiths/Private Investigators
The proclamation of the Security Services and Investigators Act on June 1, 2010 means the Government of Alberta no longer requires fingerprints or signed affidavits for security guard, locksmith and private investigator applications. If you have any questions about licensing processes under this new legislation please contact Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security's Licensing Department toll-free at 1-877-462-0791.
The Calgary Police Service will continue to perform employment Police Information Checks for these applicants at the CPS Administration Building location ONLY.
Pardon Applications
A Local Police Check is required when applying for a pardon from the National Parole Board. A Local Police Check must be obtained from every police jurisdiction in which the applicant has lived for the last five years.
You must visit the CPS Administration Building, in person, with the Local Police Records Check form from the Pardon Application Guide and bring two pieces of government-issued identification, one of which must have a photograph.
The price for a Local Police Records Check Form for a pardon is $50. Methods of payment include cash, debit, AMEX, Visa, and Mastercard.
The Local Police Records Check Form will be sent to the applicant by mail.
For more information, contact the Clemency and Pardons Division of the National Parole Board at 1-800-874-2652.
2) Where do I go for fingerprinting?
Effective May 1, 2010 the Calgary Police Service no longer provides non-criminal fingerprinting services for all civil matters such as immigration, name changes, international adoptions and pardons. There are several private companies in Calgary that provide this service.
As of Monday, 2011 October 24, the new address for criminal fingerprinting is:
Criminal Identification Unit
Calgary Police Service Westwinds Campus
East Building
5111 - 47 Street N.E., Calgary, AB
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
closed on Statutory Holidays
3) How do I report a bad driver / How do I report a traffic concern in my neighbourhood?
If you would like to report a dangerous driver or an incident, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or 911.
Citizens concerned about traffic problems at specific locations in their neighbourhoods - such as speeding in school or playground zones or drivers running red lights - can request photo radar or portable red light camera enforcement.
To submit a request for photo radar or the portable red light camera, call the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section at 403-295-7900 or fill out a request form online at http://www.calgarypolice.ca/sections-traffic-service-form.html .
4) How do I report graffiti in my neighbourhood?
To report graffiti vandalism in progress call 911. To report existing graffiti, call 311, or 403-268-CITY (2489) if calling from outside Calgary.
It is important to report all graffiti on public or private property, as both Animal & Bylaw Services and the Calgary Police Service track graffiti activity in the city.
If the graffiti is on your property, it should be removed within 72 hours. The longer the graffiti is up, the more likely additional graffiti will occur. If the graffiti re-appears, continue to remove it. Reinforce the message that graffiti is not welcome.
5) Where can I find local bylaw information?
Visit the City of Calgary Bylaw Services.
6) How do I report illegally parked vehicles or vehicles that have been abandoned on or near my property?
To report illegally parked or abandoned vehicles please contact the Calgary Parking Authority at 403-537-7100, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For further information please check out their website at www.calgaryparking.com
7) Where and when do police auctions take place?
Any items available for auction from the Calgary Police Service are delivered to Reid's Auction Rooms on a weekly basis. Reid's holds a regular auction at 6 p.m. every Tuesday. Public viewing hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the day of the auction. Reid's is located at 4636 - 1 Street S.E.
To confirm that there will be items from the police included in the auction, contact Reid's the Friday prior to the auction. Items auctioned may include electronics, tools, toys and other goods. Reid's does not auction vehicles. Contact Reid's Auction at 403-287-1900 for more information.
For more information about the items available for auction, visit the City of Calgary "Surplus Sales and Public Auctions" Web page on the sale of surplus equipment and materials.
Vehicle auctions
Vehicle auctions are held the third Saturday of every month at the Impound Lot located at 400 - 39 Avenue S.E. The auction starts at 10:30 a.m. The public may view the cars the morning of the auction starting at 10 a.m. For more information about vehicle auctions, contact the Calgary Parking Authority - Vehicle Auctions at (403) 537-7000.
Used police vehicle auctions
Regal Auctions holds regular auctions of police and other government vehicles. The auctions are held twice a week at 2600 - 7 Avenue N.E. The auctions start at 11 a.m. The public may view the vehicles before the auction during business hours.
To find out when the next police vehicle auction is scheduled, contact Regal Auctions at 403-250-1995.
8) How do I report a fraud or fraudulent/spam activity?
If you have been the victim of a fraud/scam, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 to report the crime. 9) How do I report a missing person or get information on a missing person?
If you have become aware of a possible fraud or fraudulent activity, but have not been victimized, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly Phonebusters) toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at www.phonebusters.com. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a joint initiative that tracks frauds and scam and takes enforcement action when possible.
To report a missing person, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or 911.
Please be advised that under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Service is unable to disclose any information regarding third parties without their consent. A "missing" adult has a right to privacy and the "right" to not be found.
10) How to I compliment / complain about a member of the Calgary Police Service?
The Calgary Police Service is bound by the Alberta Police Act, which requires all complaints to be in writing and signed by the complainant. Information packages outlining the complaint process are available through Professional Standards Section at 403-206-5904 or you may send your signed letter of complaint to:
Calgary Police Service
Professional Standards Section #811
5111 47 St. N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T3J 3R2
or by fax to 403-265-9870
Compliments can also be sent to the Professional Standards Section. It will then be sent to the appropriate areas as well as Chief Rick Hanson.
11) I’d like to become a police officer. Is the Calgary Police Service hiring?
Yes. The Calgary Police Service is always looking for quality people to join the service. For more information about how to become a police officer visit the CPS Recruiting Unit website.
12) How do I apply to become a civilian employee?
Current civilian opportunities are posted on the City of Calgary Career Opportunities page.
13) I’d like to volunteer for the Calgary Police Service. How can I do this?
Visit the Volunteer Opportunities page on this site. This will outline qualifications required, and also give an overview of the areas where volunteers are used.
For further assistance please call 403-206-8322.
14) I’ve lost my traffic ticket, where can I go to get it reissued?
The Calgary Police Service does not oversee tickets. Once they are issued they become the jurisdiction of the province. Please contact the Alberta Government at www.government.ab.ca or www.finepayment.gov.ab.ca for more information.
You can also call the Alberta Traffic Court in Calgary at 403-297-2283. They will have any information you require regarding either lost or outstanding traffic tickets.
15) What is the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program?
The Calgary Police Automated Traffic Enforcement Program (ATEP) includes mobile Photo Radar units as well as Intersection Safety Cameras (Red Light/Speed on Green).
To learn where Photo Radar will be deployed and which intersections the portable red light camera will monitor, visit the Traffic Updates page.
16) Where does the money from Automated Traffic Enforcement go?
Fifteen per cent of the total fine is given to Victims Services, 16.67 per cent goes to the Alberta Government, and then the balance of the fine goes to the municipality. If there is a late payment penalty attached to the fine, the province receives the amount of $20 or 20 per cent, which ever is greater.
17) If I plead guilty to an Automated Traffic Enforcement offence notice/ticket, will I receive demerits against my driver’s license?
No. Neither your driving record nor your National Safety Code Profile will be affected. The registered owner of a vehicle involved in a speed infraction/red light camera infraction is charged under Section 160(1) of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act which states, "If a vehicle is involved in an offence referred to in Section 157 or a bylaw, the owner of that vehicle is guilty of an offence." Because you are charged as the registered owner of the vehicle, and you have not been charged as a driver, a guilty plea will not result in any demerit points being assessed to your operator's license.
18) I received an offence notice/ticket in the mail, but someone else was driving. Can you send the offence notice/ticket to the individual that was driving?
No. Provincial legislation requires the offence notice/ticket be issued to the registered owner of the license plate on the violating vehicle. The registered owner is the person summonsed and therefore responsible for responding by the due date noted on the offence notice/ticket.
19) Does someone review the photographs before motorists are ticketed?
Yes. Trained and qualified provincially appointed Peace Officers review every picture to verify information and ensure the vehicle is in violation. Tickets are only mailed to vehicle owners where it is clear the vehicle committed a red light or speeding infraction.
20) Who is responsible for setting the speed limits and speed zone signage?
The City of Calgary, Roads Division, is responsible for setting speed limits and posting appropriate signage within the City of Calgary. Call 311 for further information.
21) Who sets the fine amounts?
The Provincial Government sets the fines for violations under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act.
22) What will happen if I do not pay my fines by the due date?
Three things will happen:
1) A late payment surcharge of 20 per cent or $20, whichever is greater, will be added to your fine
2) You will not be able to renew your driver’s license or vehicle registration until the fine is paid
3) The fine will be sent to a collections agency and as a result, possibly affect your credit rating
23) How can I pay an overdue fine?
Outstanding fines can be paid at any registry office or on-line at www.finepayment.gov.ab.ca
24) I received an Automated Traffic Enforcement offence notice/ticket in the mail and I don’t agree with it. Who can I contact to further discuss this matter?
Once a ticket is issued it becomes a Provincial Court matter. Options are listed on the offence notice/ticket as to how you may dispose of or contest the offence notice/ticket.
25) On my Automated Traffic Enforcement offence notice/ticket, when detailing the information regarding the date and time of the offence, why does it say “On or about?”
The wording is part of the provincially legislated form and required for legal purposes.
26) How does Photo Radar work?
As a vehicle enters the radar beam, it is detected and the speed is calculated. When detecting the end of the vehicle, and if that vehicle’s speed exceeds the posted speed limit for that particular location, the system sets off an audible alarm and takes a photo. During low light periods, a flash is incorporated to enhance the photo.
27) How many Photo Radar vehicles are deployed throughout the City of Calgary?
Currently, there are six Photo Radar vehicles that operate in the City of Calgary.
28) There is a vehicle traveling the opposite direction in the photograph; how can you be sure it was my vehicle that was speeding?
Photo Radar is set up to capture the speeds of receding traffic only.
29) How are Photo Radar enforcement sites selected? What are the current Photo Radar and Portable Red Light Camera locations?
All sites are selected pursuant to the guidelines set out by the Province of Alberta, in relation to high speed/collision corridors, citizen complaints, construction zones, school and playground zones.
To learn where Photo Radar will be deployed and which intersections the portable red light camera will monitor, visit the Traffic Updates page.
30) Why is there a person in the Photo Radar vehicle?
Persons designated as Peace Officers in the Province of Alberta staff the mobile Photo Radar vehicles. The operator is responsible for setting up and testing the equipment. They also observe and make notes on each violation.
31) Why does Photo Radar occasionally operate in areas designated “No Stopping/No Parking?”
In general, Photo Radar vehicles do not operate in restricted areas. This occurs only under specific instructions from the Calgary Police Service. These vehicles are exempt under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act (Sec. 63 and 64) and may enforce in a restricted area just as any conventional police vehicle.
32) How do I get Photo Radar to set up on my street?
If you are concerned about speeding in your community, you can enter a Traffic Service Request (TSR) online at www.calgarypolice.ca or call the TSR phone line at 403-567-4029. A member of the Photo Radar Unit will call you back to discuss your concerns and possibly deploy a Photo Radar vehicle in your area.
33) How many Intersection Safety Cameras are installed throughout the City of Calgary?
Currently, there are 51 Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) locations throughout the City of Calgary. They enforce red light and speed violations. ISC locations are posted on this web site.
34) There are other vehicles traveling beside me in the photo. How do you know I was the one who was speeding?
Intersection Safety Camera enforcement is lane specific. The system identifies the violating vehicle in the specific lane using sensors embedded in the roadway.
35) Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection?
No, only those vehicles who are committing a red light infraction or speed infraction.
In the case of a red light, only vehicles entering an intersection after the light has turned red and have not come to a full stop prior to entering the intersection are photographed. Drivers who enter on a yellow light and are in the intersection when the light changes to red are not photographed.
In the case of a speed infraction, vehicles that enter the intersection over the posted speed limit will be captured by the camera. A speed infraction will be captured on any light phase – red, yellow or green.
36) Will I get a ticket for turning right on a red light?
Yes, you will be ticketed if you fail to come to a full stop before turning right at a red light at intersections equipped with Intersection Safety Cameras. Based on speed and the time between pictures, CPS can prove that a vehicle failed to stop prior to making a right hand turn on a red light.
37) I see small cameras mounted on top of the traffic lights at many intersections throughout the City of Calgary - are these Intersection Safety Cameras?
No, these cameras are used by the City of Calgary to monitor road conditions as well as traffic flow and density.
38) I was driving through an intersection and the camera flashed. I don’t believe I was speeding and I don’t think I entered the intersection on a red light. Why did it flash?
There are a number of technical reasons why this may occur. An offence notice/ticket is only issued after careful review and verification by a trained and qualified provincially appointed Peace Officer. A ticket will only be issued if a violation occurred.
39) Who can I contact if I have further questions about the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program (ATEP) in Calgary?
You can contact a member of the Calgary Police Service Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit by calling 403-567-4026.
40) What can I do to prepare for emergencies?
Everyone should be prepared to look after their own needs in the case of some unforeseen event, such as a power outage.
For more information on how you can prepare for an emergency, please visit the Calgary Emergency Management Agency website.
41) How many police chiefs has the Calgary Police Service had?
In 2007, Chief Rick Hanson became the 21st Chief Constable in the history of the Calgary Police Service.
Updated: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 09:00 AM