Crisis Response Transformation

The Calgary Police Service is transforming how we respond to people in crisis. By partnering with community organizations, we are able to provide the right resource, to the right person, at the right time. The videos below showcase the amazing work of our partners and how they are making a positive impact on the lives of Calgarians.

In 2020, the Calgary Police Service (CPS) partnered with The City of Calgary (The City) to form the Community Safety Investment Framework (CSIF). CSIF aligns with The City’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy and guides investment in outcomes for Calgarians experiencing crisis, with the long-term goal of improving the well-being of Calgarians through systems transformation.

As a Service, we acknowledge that when an individual is experiencing a non-emergency mental health and/or addictions crisis, a police response is not always the best response. We are transforming traditional systems of crisis response to provide improved supports and access to Calgarians.

Since 2021, the Calgary Police Service has committed $8 million per year to the Community Safety Investment Framework (CSIF) to transform call response for individuals experiencing metal health and/or addictions crisis.

The CPS is focused on:

• Reducing demand for patrol officers and improving call response with the goal of better outcomes for Calgarians in crisis
• Enhancing service delivery through strategic partnerships

We agree with the community that better models of systems integration involving health, social and justice partners can produce better outcomes and reduce demand on frontline responders. Fair and equitable service for all Calgarians must be provided, including those who are experiencing crisis.

Expected outcomes of our crisis response initiatives include:

• Improved crisis triage
• Integrated case management
• Increased availability of 24-7 crisis supports and outreach services
• Increased capacity of support services
• Increased access to community and peer support programs

Community partners include:

• Alberta Health Services
• The Alex
• Alpha House Society
• Calgary 9-1-1
• Distress Centre Calgary/211
• United Way of Calgary and Area