Sections & Units
Please click one of the links below to view the details for that business area.
Citizen Complaints UnitOffice of the Chief
Professional Standards Section
Under the (Alberta) Police Act, the Calgary Police Service is required to investigate all public complaints, which must be in writing and signed by the complainant. Complaints are investigated or assigned by the Professional Standards Section.
Anyone who wishes to file a complaint may do so either in writing or in person at the Professional Standards Section. Maintaining open lines of communication with citizens is an important priority for the Calgary Police Service. The Professional Standards Section welcomes any compliments about a specific police officer or civilian member and the service you received. For more information see Public Compliments/Complaints Process.
Public Affairs/Media Relations Unit
The Public Affairs/ Media Relations Unit is responsible for all internal and external communications for the Service. The Unit is also responsible for issuing press releases, acting as a liaison with reporters, coordinating press conferences, coordinating public relations events and leading media related courses for CPS employees.
Strategic Services Division
This Division is a source of information, research, analysis, project management, program development evaluation and strategic planning that assists the organization in making informed decisions that meet immediate and future policing needs and challenges.
Risk Management Coordinator
Risk Management Coordinator: Responsible for the developing and coordinating processes that promote the development of a risk management culture across the CPS.
Centralized Analysis Section
Provides timely and relevant crime analysis to support the identification and realization of the Service's current and future crime, disorder and public safety priorities, focusing on cross-District and Service-wide issues.
Library Section
Delivers information and researches information sources for all members of the Service.
Operations Audit Section
Assists the Executive (Audit) Committee and senior managers in minimizing risks associated with our business, by providing an independent and objective review and evaluation of operational units and functions, and related policies, procedures and internal controls.
Directives Procedures Manual Unit
Maintains legally sound policies, procedures and forms for the Service and provides timely and accrate information to the Service's members in relation to changes in applicable law and resulting policy/procedural amendments.
Planning & Research Section
Provides planning expertise and strategic counsel on business planning, project management, research, program evaluation, survey development, risk management and policy design.
Administration Section
Police Information Check Unit
The Services provided by the Police Information Check Unit include police information checks and information on applying for a pardon. For detailed information see the Police Information Check Unit.
Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)
This Unit has access to the Canadian Police Information Centre data system owned by the R.C.M.P. Among its many responsibilities CPIC maintains records relating to Calgary Police Service files for stolen vehicles, missing persons, stolen property, probation files, warrants and court information. They provide information to investigators regardng vehicle registered owners and drivers license inquiries. CPIC shares information with other law enforcement agencies across Canada and the United States and is only accessible to police personnel or authorized approved agencies.
Correspondence Unit
The primary responsibility of the Correspondence Unit is to release timely information for various reports including collisions, theft and property damage to lawyers, insurance companies and the public.
- Phone: 403-206-5943 or 403-206-5945
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Two pieces of identification are required prior to the release of any information from this unit.
- $30.00 (G.S.T. included) for a police report (traffic, theft, break and enter, vandalism)
- There is no fee for witness statements but signed authorization must accompany this request.
- There is no fee for reports or confirmation letter on lost or stolen government issued identification, i.e. passports, citizenship cards, etc.
Evidence and Property Unit
The Evidence and Property Unit (EPU) is a secure facility that processes and manages exhibits seized by police officers during the course of their duties. Most of this property relates to the commission of an offence but can also include lost and found items. EPU releases seized property back to owners after the case has been cleared through court, or lawful owners have been identified. Items must be approved for release by the investigating police officer or the courts.
EPU does not accept reports of traffic collisions or other public complaints requiring police attendance or investigation. For these please contact 403-266-1234 or go to your nearest district office.
Records Processing Unit
The Records Processing Unit enters data from all criminal and non-offence reports including traffic reports, house break-ins, and criminal investigations ranging from thefts and robberies to assaults and homicides.
The Unit also oversees the On-line Reporting System and enters the Victim Direct Voice Entry reports through call-backs to members of the public as determined by Public Safety Communications.
Field Data Unit
The Field Data Unit provides services in thee areas: Ticket Control, Alarm Bylaw and Intelligence Network.
Ticket Control
Ticket Control processes all photo enforcement (i.e. photo radar, red light, speed on green) and traffic violation tickets issued by the Calgary Police Service. You may view original photographs related to your photo violation ticket at:
Police Administration Building
316 - 7th Avenue S.E.
(located directly across from the City Hall LRT station and attached to the Calgary Public Library)
403-206-5991
Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on weekends and statutory holidays. Please note times may vary for certain services.
This area does not accept payment for violation tickets. Please refer to your ticket for details on payment options. For information regarding appeals on violation tickets please contact Provincial Traffic Court.
Alarm Bylaw
Alarm Bylaw addresses both residential and business alarms within the city of Calgary but does not address general bylaw inquiries. Alarm calls where police have attended are reviewed daily, and a penalty notice is sent to the security alarm company for any false alarms. This area also assigns alarm permit numbers for businesses and residences.
Alarm Permit applications can be mailed to:
Calgary Police Service
133 - 6th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 4Z1
Attention: Alarm Bylaw mail code 609
or dropped off at any of the Calgary Police Service district offices "Attention Alarm Bylaw mail code 609" or dropped off at the address below:
Police Administration Building
316 - 7th Avenue S.E.
(located directly across from the City Hall LRT station and attached to the Calgary Public Library)
Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and statutory holidays. Please note times may vary for certain services.
Intelligence Network (INET)
This area receives and enters information gathered by various officers including the Calgary Police Service, LRT and Loss Prevention officers. Contact Information Forms are completed by officers, which are then processed by Intelligence Network staff.
Community & Youth Services Section
Graffiti Unit
The Graffiti Unit is resonsible for gathering information on incidents of graffiti and creating a database of incidents and characteristics of the offenders. Each graffiti vandal usually has a unique signature or symbol marking his or her work.The Graffiti Intelligence Officer takes pictures of graffiti and interviews offenders to develop profiles and reports that help in the investigation of other offences.
You can help police track this problem. If your property is targeted by a graffiti vandal, remember "Record, Report and Remove".
- Record: take pictures of the damage
- Report: write the date, time and location on the back of the photo, sign it and drop it off at the nearest district office or email it to cpsgraffiti@calgarypolice.ca
- graffiti vandalism in progress call 9-1-1
- report to the police at 403-266-1234
- graffiti on public or private property call 311
- Remove: clean up the graffiti as soon as you can. Visit the City of Calgary's graffiti site for removal tips
School Resource Officers Program
Calgary Police Service officers work as School Resource Officers at Calgary high schools and junior high schools. They are available to help teens with problems they may face on a day-to-day basis such as peer pressure, drugs, bullying, youth gangs, and pressure to commit vandalism, including graffiti. Sometimes just talking with an officer can help resolve a situation before it becomes a serious problem.
If you would like to talk with a School Resource Officer, call 403-206-8399 or ask your school principal for more information.
Youth Intervention Programs
The Calgary Police Service believes early intervention is the key to keeping kids on the right track in life. Children identified as being at risk of criminal behaviour early and who get the help they need have a good chance of avoiding a criminal lifestyle. Focusing resources on addressing the root causes of youth crime and violence will make a significant difference in the long run. Programs include Youth at Risk Detail (YARD), Gateway, About Face, Youth Diversion and New Roads. For detailed information on these programs see Youth Intervention Program details.
Youth Education Programs
The Calgary Police Service strongly believes that early education is key for the development of our youth. In keeping with this belief, the Calgary Police Service has partnered with the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic Separate School Division to have dedicated uniformed police officers to deliver educational material in the schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Some of the topics lectured on are:
- general safety
- bullying
- drug and alcohol awareness
- gangs
- cyber safety
- peer relationships
- law and crime
Schools can request presentations by emailing cpspresentations@calgarypolice.ca
Serious Habitual Offender Program (SHOP)
The SHOP Unit identifies young persons heading for a life of crime. Their primary objective is to reintegrate youth into society and provide opportunity for access to all available resources.
The MultiDisciplinary Resource Team (MDRT) was established to provide access to early intervention and reintegration support for identified high-risk Calgary youth. The team meets monthly to discuss options for youth at risk. It's comprised of representatives from key community partners including:
- Calgary Young Offenders Centre
- Calgary Youth Attendance Centre
- Calgary and Area Child and Family Services
- City of Calgary, Youth Probation Services
- Calgary School Boards
SHOP officers develop a profile of each youth, looking at criminal history, their family background, living conditions, psychological history and other relevant factors. They monitor activities and investigate criminal offences committed by these youth. The officers focus on ensuring the young people have access to rehabilitation programs and, once any sentence has been served, assure their compliance with court orders and link them up with others who can help them integrate into society.
Volunteer Resource Unit
The Calgary Police Service actively seeks volunteers to help with a variety of programs. Opportunities are available with the Citizens' Police Academy, community police stations and district offices, YouthLink-Interpretive Centre and Victim Assistance Unit. For detailed information about volunteering with these programs, see Volunteer Programs.
All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and security clearance form.
For information about volunteer opportunities with the Calgary Police Service, contact the Volunteer Resource Unit at 403-206-8321 or 403-206-8322.
Crime Prevention Unit
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a crime whereby the perpetrator acquires key pieces of personal information about an individual in order to impersonate them. The victim may be dead or living. For detailed information on identity theft see Identity Theft.
Protecting Youth on the Internet
As parents we are all concerned about the safety of our children on the internet. For tips on how to teach children safety on the internet see Protecting Youth on the Internet.
Internet Security Policy for Families
Locking up when leaving the home is the responsibility of everyone in the family right? Develop the same rules for computer and internet security, and make sure everyone who uses a computer in the home follows your internet security rules.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
We constantly respond to our environment, whether we are aware of it or not. Our responses help us interact safely in our communities. Effective design of our environment helps us to feel safer and reduces opportunities for criminal acts to occur. For detailed information see Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
Internet Safety
The internet has many benefits, but it also has a negative side. Specifically, there is the potential for dangerous situations in which children may be exploited or victimized. To make the internet as safe as possible, the community and police must work together. Make your family's online experience as safe as possible by learning about the benefits and risks of the internet, and by monitoring your children's online activity. For more information see Internet Safety.
Police & Community Awareness Program (PCAP)
Police & Community Awareness Program (PCAP, formerly known as PACT) is a proven, effective crime prevention tool employed by the Calgary Police Service to alert residents in Calgary and surrounding rural areas to important situations such as criminal acts occurring in their area or requests for public assistance in cases such as missing children. Furthermore, it provided its messages to a person answering the call or to a standard answering machine.
Visit the online PCAP registration form.
Prevent Ski & Snowboard Theft
Skis and snowboards are popular targets for thieves, especially at busy hills where people continually drop off and pick up their equipment. Skis and snowboards become even easier targets when they are left unattended or unlocked. The Calgary Police Service and Canada Olympic Park offer tips to help prevent ski and snowboard theft.
Rape Drugs
It is possible for anyone to be drugged and sexually assaulted. Someone could put a drug into your drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, without you knowing about it. This may be done to make a sexual assault easier, and you could be a victim. Protect yourself from rape drugs.
Report Hate/Bias Crime!
The impact of crimes motivated by hate or bias is far reaching, often extending beyond the trauma of the victim to severely impact all members of the community. The Calgary Police Service is committed to addressing and eliminating hate and bias from the city through a strong and consistent proactive response. For more information see the Hate/Bias Crime Portfolio. Safe Raving Advice
All night techno-dance parties are fun and exciting, but they can also be very dangerous if you don't understand the risks. For safe raving advice and honest information on topics we believe ravers deserve to know about, such as drugs, hearing concerns, and the laws that govern raves see safe raves.
Telemarketing Fraud
Telemarketing fraud can happen to anybody. Your family, friends and neighbours could become victims. It is not an isolated or individual crime - it affects all of us. For more information see Telemarketing Fraud.
Diversity Resources Unit
Aboriginal
The Aboriginal community is important to our local landscape and national identity. Locally, the urban Aboriginal community continues to grow. Many First Nations people (including Treaty 7 members) live in Calgary. For more information see the Aboriginal Portfolio.
Caribbean and the Latin Americas
Calgary's Black community includes people whose cultural heritage comes from Africa, the Caribbean, America, Haiti, and other countries. The Hispanic community consists of people with cultural roots in Latin America, Central America, Mexico, and Cuba, and Spanish speaking people from other countries. For more information see the Caribbean/Latin Americas Portfolio.
Diversity Education
The Diversity Education Portfolio was created to ensure members of the Calgary Police Service understand cultural and social diversity so they can provide fair and effective service to all Calgarians. For more information see the Diversity Education Portfolio.
Middle East
The number of Calgarians who come from the Middle East continues to increase, and as these communities grow they seek service from police specific to their unique needs. For more information see the Middle East Portfolio.
Sexuality and Gender Diversity
The Sexuality and Gender Diversity liaison officer works to build understanding, trust, and communication between the community and police through involvement in committees, commissions, and agencies that provide service to Calgary's gay/lesbian community. For more information see the Sexuality and Gender Diversity Portfolio.
Hate/Bias Crime
The impact of crimes motivated by hate or bias is far reaching, often extending beyond the trauma of the victim to severely impact all members of the community. The Calgary Police Service is committed to addressing and eliminating hate and bias from the city through a strong and consistent proactive response. For more information see the Hate/Bias Crime Portfolio.
Persons with Disabilities
Calgary is one of the safest major cities in Canada. Still, many Calgarians have concerns about becoming a victim of crime. Persons with disabilities may feel vulnerable to victimization, and have a vested interest in seeing specific concerns addressed. For more information see the Persons with Disabilities Portfolio.
South Asia
People have been moving to Calgary from South Asia for a long time, and these unique communities continue to grow. The South Asia liaison officer interacts with Calgarians with cultural roots in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. For more information see the South Asia Portfolio.
South East Asia
The city's South East Asia community consists of members with cultural roots from countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. For more information see the South East Asia Portfolio.
Senior Liaison Program
The Senior Liaison Officer's role is primarily to deal with seniors on matters that fall into the "grey area" which lies between criminal and civil law. Such matters include scams related to home renovation, door-to-door sales, bogus lotteries and others attempting to gain access or take control of seniors' financial affairs for their benefit.
The Senior Liaison Officer also works with communities and seniors' organizations responding to questions and concerns as they pertain to issues of safety, security and fraud prevention, and conducts informative and preventive seminars at seniors' centres, apartments and community organizations. They also serve as a resource to community professionals such as nurses and social workers, acting as public guardian and public trustee. To learn more about the Senior Portfolio call 403-206-8150.
You and the Law
A Calgary Police Service workshop called You and the Law is aimed at helping new immigrants learn about the Canadian legal system, how police here operate and the rights they enjoy as residents of Canada. For more information on this workshop, see You and the Law.
Calgary Police Service Careers
For more information about how to become a police officer visit the CPS Recruiting Unit website.
Current civilian opportunities are posted on the City of Calgary Career Opportunities page.
Human Resources Business Advisory Section
The role of the Human Resources Business Advisory Section is to support Calgary Police Service employees and align them with the business goals and strategic direction of the Service.
The goal of the Section is to provide innovative service in key areas including:
- recruitment and selection - hiring the right person for the job
- resource planning - designing positions to match workplace needs
- total compensation - conducting job evaluations and determining salaries
- employee labour and relations - assisting employees and management with workplace issues
- health and wellness - facilitating return to work and promoting a positive workplace
- organizational effectiveness - researching, developing and implementing programs, practices and services to effectively meet organizational needs
For more information call 403-206-8480.
Criminal Operations Support Section
Security Operations Unit
The Security Operations Unit is comprised of Crime Stoppers and Behavioural Sciences.
Crime Stoppers
The Calgary Police Service enlists a sworn police officer to act as liaison between Crime Stoppers and police services in and around the Calgary area. For more information on Crime Stoppers in the Calgary Police Service see Crime Stoppers or visit the Calgary Crime Stoppers website at calgarycrimestoppers.org
Calgary Criminal Intelligence Unit
The Calgary Criminal Intelligence Unit (CCIU), is comprised of Calgary Police Service and RCMP members. This unit gathers, analyses and disseminates criminal intelligence on organized criminals, provides threat assessments on groups or individuals in relation to their criminal activities in Calgary, conducts strategic and tactical probes into the operations and activities of organized criminals and crime groups/gangs, and projects crime trends in relation to these groups/gangs. CCIU reports to the Criminal Intelligence Service of Alberta (CISA) on designated projects and serves as a liaison with outside law enforcement agencies.
Priority Crimes Unit
The Priority Crimes Unit investigates "priority" crimes identified by District/Section Commanders assigned from the districts. The Unit also investigates projects generated by the PCU from analysis of crime trends.
Electronic Surveillance Unit
The Electronic Surveillance Unit is comprised of the Privacy Act Team, Technological Crimes Team, and Technical Services Team.
Information, Communication & Technology Section
Architecture and Innovation
This team's focus is to provide the Information Technology blueprint that enables the organization to achieve a variety of data processing goals. This is accomplished trough a combination of research and development, end-user engagement, market analysis, benchmarking, and the application of industry-standard IT practices.
Telecom
The Calgary Police Service Telecom Team is responsible for the management, maintenance and operation of all telecommunications related communications for the Service. This includes desk phones, fax machines and conferencing systems; cellular phones, smartphones and satellite phones; the mobile radio system and all subscriber units as well as other related technologies. The Telecom Team performs tasks as diverse as installation of radios into mobile units to complex phone system engineering.
End User Support Unit
The End User Support Unit provides front line service and technical support to the CPS client. Services include deskside support, Computer HelpLine and Data Operations support.
Technical Services Unit
The Calgary Police Service Technical Services Unit is responsible for the management, maintenance and operation of most IT related infrastructure for the Service. This includes servers, datacenters, networking equipment, cabling, operating systems and software applications. Our primary goal is ensuring our IT systems are an efficient, cost effective information delivery platform that supports the strategic objectives of the organization.
Systems Development & Support
SD&S builds and maintains diverse computer applications that are used to support the business needs of the CPS.
Web Team
The Calgary Police Service Web Team is responsible for all web-based communications for the Calgary Police Service which includes publishing all official CPS websites, publishing and administering all official social media properties, providing training for internal users and publishing web support materials. The CPS Web Team utilizes a variety of Web 2.0 technologies, content management systems and custom built solutions to enhance CPS communications for both our internal and external audiences.
Investigative Support Section
Court and Disclosure Unit
The Court and Disclosure Unit consists of four teams: Court Team, Criminal History Team, Joint Disclosure Team, and Crown Transcription Team. All work in conjunction with Calgary Police Service members and federal, provincial and municipal crown prosecutors in an effort to provide the very best evidence package possible for successful prosecution.
Court Team
The Court Team is responsible for the preparation and swearing, to a diverse range of court documents relevant to investigative and enforcement activities on behalf of the Calgary Police Service. The Unit coordinates the transfer of documents to all areas within the Police Service, Crown Prosecutor's Office, courts and outside agencies.
Criminal History Team
The Criminal History Team is responsible for the transfer of criminal and court dispositions along with the corresponding fingerprint cards to the Ottawa database. This includes the requisition for removal of criminal records when a Pardon is granted and the notification to Ottawa on the results upon Appeal. Fail to Attend warrants are applied for when an accused does not attend under the provisions of the Identification of Criminals Act.
Joint Disclosure Team
The Joint Disclosure Team is comprised of Calgary Police Service officers and is located within the Crown Prosecutors' offices. The Team is responsible for disclosure matters on criminal, provincial, federal and by-law charges in the city court system. The Team acts as a liaison between the Crown and the police officers.
Court Transcription Team
The Court Transcription Team receives video and/or audio recordings of criminal investigations including interviews, 9-1-1 calls, CCTV and In-Car Digital Video cameras, photo line-ups and statements. They provide verbatim transcripts for the Crown that will be used in disclosure and entered as evidence in court proceedings.
Forensic Crime Scenes Unit
The Forensic Crime Scenes Unit's (FCSU) primary function is to impartially locate, collect and process trace, latent and physical evidence in order to link a person to a place or an object. The FCSU provides support and assistance to investigators, provides expert testimony in court, attends crime scenes and conducts thorough forensic examinations including forensic photography, attends the Medical Examiner's Office to print cadavers for identification purposes, executes DNA warrants, orders and authorizations to obtain DNA samples, and forward DNA samples from crime scenes and accused persons to the National DNA Data Bank.
The Unit consists of three teams: Latent Fingerprint Team, Photographic Team and the Photo Line-up Team.
Latent Fingerprint Team
The Latent Fingerprint Team is responsible for the criminal identification of individuals. This includes obtaining fingerprints from those charged with criminal offences, and collecting DNA samples from convicted persons for inclusion in the National DNA Databank. The unit is comprised of civilian identification specialists who collect, analyze, and compare fingerprints for identification purposes. This team also maintains the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) which is a computerized fingerprint database that assists in identifying possible suspects from latent fingerprints found at crime scenes.
Photographic Team
The Photographic Team consists of three photographic technicians/professional photographers. The Team encompasses a wide range of photographic needs for the Calgary Police Service including: management and digital storage (LiveLink) of photographic data; printing of all digital photographic/film images for court purposes; public relations photography for the Calgry Police Service; maintaining the photographic lab for the Service; and providing technical support to the entire Service related to photographic related materials.
Photo Line-up Team
The Photo Line-Up Team's primary function is to create photo line-ups from Calgary Police Service "mug shots" and Alberta Drivers License photos. They also distribute mug shots, create Target sheets, photocopy and assist in the identification of suspects involved in criminal activity. They assist outside police agencies in addition to providing this service to the Calgary Police Service.
Major Crimes Section
Homicide Unit
The Homicide Unit investigates all homicides, attempted homicides where a medical doctor has determined that death is expected to occur, in-custody deaths, deaths where the cause is not apparent, accidental, sudden death or suicide involving a handgun and discharges of Calgary Police Service firearms.
Arson Unit
The Arson Unit investigates the cause and origin of all arson fires and fires of unknown or suspicious origin, including those minor mischief fires that appear to be linked or part of a pattern. They investigate all fires resulting in death or serious injury where hospitalization occurs. Arson Unit members provide invesigative resources to the Homicide Unit where the death or potential death at a fire or explosion is the result of a criminal act.
The Arson Unit also coordinates the investigation of all explosions using a Post Blast Investigative Team and assists other units of the Police Service in the investigation of the cause and origin of fires where they have been used to commit, hide or help in other crimes. Robbery Unit
The investigative responsibilities of the Robbery Unit are numerous and varied. These include all robberies at financial institutions and cash collection centres, armoured car robberies, robberies where a firearm is discharged, "home invasion" robberies, extortions, kidnappings, and hijackings.
The Robbery Unit is normally open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) although due to varying shift schedules, these hours may change. You can contact the Robbery Unit at 403-206-8787.
Child Abuse Unit
The Child Abuse Unit investigates all cases of sexual abuse of children up to but not including 14 years of age at the time of the offence, as well as cases of severe physical abuse. Less severe physical abuse is investigated by the Child at Risk Response Team (CARRT) officer or officers from the appropriate district. Most unit investigations are jointly done with an investigator from Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority.
Child abuse includes the physical or sexual mistreatment or neglect of a child by a parent, guardian or caregiver, which may result in physical or psychological harm to the child. Child at Risk Response Team
The Child at Risk Response Team (CARRT) is a joint initiative of the Calgary Police Service and Region Three-Calgary & Area Child and Family Services. CARRT is made up of two-person teams, each consisting of a police officer and a social worker. Each team investigates situations that pose immediate safety concerns involving children at risk.
Domestic Conflict Unit
The Domestic Conflict Unit's goal is to reduce incidents of domestic conflict by providing an effective and sensitive response to the needs of the victims. Upon completion of a thorough risk assessment to determine if the investigation fits within the scope of the Domestic Conflict Unit's mandate, the file is assigned to one of the two-person teams. This team is then responsible for following up the incident, interviewing the complainant and assessing the person's level of risk. The investigators help the coplainant navigate the legal system - often layng additional charges - and connect the victim with support services within the community. If the person is at risk, the officers may move the victim to a shelter or provide safety planning and other options.
The Domestic Conflict Unit also investigates all high-risk, habitual stalking offences, especially where there was a previous interpersonal relationship.
Polygraph Unit
The Polygraph Unit conducts forensic and pre-employment polygraph examinations for the Calgary Police Service as well as providing investigative support and training in the areas of interviewing, interrogation and statement analysis.
The Service uses polygraph as an investigative tool to narrow down the scope of suspects/persons of interest to crimes, to eliminate those individuals not involved in crimes and evaluating the truthfulness of statements or information given to police.
The Calgary Police Service uses pre-employment polygraph to assist in evaluating the overall honesty of an applicant to the Service, and to verify the information they have provided in their application package.
Sex Crimes Unit
The Sex Crimes Unit investigates all sexual assaults as well as any historical complaints of sexual abuse when the victim is eighteen years or older at the time of reporting. The officers strive to increase awareness of sexual assault and prevent incidents through education and public awareness campaigns. The Unit works closely with community partners to ensure victims get the emotional support they need to cope with and overcome the emotional turmoil caused by this violent crime.
Organized Crime Section
Drug Unit
The Drug Unit coordinates investigations of illegal drug distribution within Calgary. It is responsible for investigating street-level drug dealers, targeting crack houses and other locations where drug use may be common. Certain officers are qualified to give expert testimony in court.
Members of the Unit also deliver educational and awareness programs for various groups including schools, community associations and healthcare agencies. For more information on Marijuana Grow Ops see the Marijuana Grow Op brochure. Economic Crimes Unit
The Economic Crimes Unit focuses on economic (white collar) crime, as well as coordinates and assists with the investigation of other offences relating to economic crime that have been assigned to other police officers. Other investigations by members of this Unit include computer related crimes, acts relating to the regulation and control of business, environmental offences and proceeds of crime offences.
The Unit also coordinates and assists with the investigation of fraud including major credit card fraud offences, the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit money/bonds offences and acts as a resource for offences of possession of counterfeit money/bonds.
Auto Theft Unit/High Enforcement Auto Theft Team (HEATT)
The Auto Theft Unit investigates organized auto thefts, oversees and monitors auto theft trends in city, and offers advice, direction and investigative support to officers in the Districts. They maintain and oversee the operation of a fleet of bait vehicles, and are responsible for training District personnel in bait car operations.
The Unit also provides expertise for Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identification, and expert testimony for court. Members of the Unit also increase public awareness through media and local lectures and liaise with car dealerships and automotive wreckers.
The High Enforcement Auto Theft Team (HEATT) targets high theft areas and known theft for transportation vehicle thieves. Vice Unit
The Vice Unit investigates offences arising from prostitution (street and online) and provides intervention programs and referrals for "at risk" individuals vis-a-vis prostitution, child prostitution (Protection of Sexually Exploited Children (PSECA) and pornography. The Unit also ensures, in conjunction with the City Licencing Department, that criteria for licencing escorts, exotic dancers, masseusses and masseurs are enforced.
Monitoring of lotteries, pools and games of chance is also conducted by the Vice Unit.
Support Section
Airport Unit
The Airport Unit's primary functions include airport and building security, foot and mountain bike patrol of the terminal, parkades, parking lots, bike paths and buildings surrounding airport property, baggage pick-up areas and pre-boarding screening areas, investigating all incidents requiring police response and liaison with airport tenants, businesses, enforcement agencies and airlines to promote and conduct community policing initiatives.
Canine Unit
The Calgary Police Service Canine Unit was formed in 1960. In addition to patrol duties which include tracking, building and compound searches, the Canine Unit also assists in areas of specialized detection. These areas include narcotics, explosives and cadaver. As part of the Support Section, the Canine Unit works closely with the Tactical Unit assisting in all high risk weapons incidents and assists district personnel in locating suspects.
Tactical Unit
On December 20, 1974 in an incident known as 'Black Friday", a gunman using high powered rifles opened fire on police. When the shooting was over the suspect was dead, Detective Boyd Davidson was killed in the line of duty and seven other policemen were injured. As a result of this incident, the Tactical Response Unit was formed in 1975. The mandate was to provide a tactical response to all high risk calls. Today the unit is responsible for maintaining a high level of expertise in 47 different skills. In addition to entry training, the unit has specialists as snipers, bomb technicians and in specialty munitions.
Air Support Unit
After the tragic death of Cst. Rick Sonnenberg in October 1993, the Rick Sonnenberg Memorial Society was formed and through enormous community support, the CPS purchased its first helicopter. On July 18, 1995 the CPS HAWC helicopter went airborne on its inaugural operational flight making Calgary the first municipal police agency in Canada to have a full-time patrol helicopter program. The HAWC helicopter provides a swift response to life threatening incidents, air support for ground units, and an increased efficiency to detect, prevent, and reduce crime through aerial patrols.
Mounted Unit
The Calgary Police Service has used horses for patrol since the turn of the century with the formation of the current Mounted Unit in 1978. Members are required to spend four years in district patrol before applying for the Unit. They are chosen based on their work ethic and riding ability. The horses used in the Unit come from farms and ranches throughout the province, and are chosen based on their personality, size and colour. Mounted patrol duties include public relations, patrolling the streets and pathways, and search operations in parks and along riverbanks.
Major Events and Emergency Management Unit
The Major Events and Emergency Management Unit provides administrative and operational support and direction for major events, and in managing planned emergency situations. This is done through our staff who are dedicated to operational planning, public safety situations, emergency planning, and other special events through the Pay Duty coordinator.
Traffic Section
Please also see:- Traffic Service Request form
- monthly traffic updates
- Speed on Green frequently asked questions (pdf)
- Safe Driving Seminars: "Safe Driving to Save Lives"
Traffic Response Unit
Patrols city streets enforcing traffic laws, investigates serious injury and fatality collisions; Check Stop to address impaired driving; and provides traffic escorts for funerals and other events.
Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit
Operates photo radar and intersection safety camera programs as well as handling general traffic complaints and concerns from the community.
Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Unit
Provides forensic collision investigation expertise and investigates hit and run reports.
Alcohol Unit
Provides a comprehensive alcohol awareness education program and facilitates the enforcement of alcohol related driving offences.
Traffic Education Unit
Promotes driver responsibility and traffic safety to students at Calgary's elementary and junior and senior high schools, and to the wider community.
Truck Unit
Enhances commercial traffic safety through education and enforcement.
Safe Driving Seminars
The two-hour, free of charge, interactive seminar covers a wide variety of associated topics and can be done in-house. It is suitable for all audiences ranging from organizations that have no traffic safety training in place, through to those that already have health and safety programs but are looking to enhance their training free of charge.
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program
2009 Alberta Traffic Safety Plan STEP Calendar
Updated: Thursday, June 24, 2010 11:27 AM