Police locate underground encampment
Early in September, while conducting standard patrols, members of the Calgary Police Service District 1 Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) located an underground encampment site in the wooded area near the 3200 block of 25 Avenue S.E., approaching Spiller Road S.E.
Officers observed the encampment entrance located on a steep, brush-covered slope, with what appeared to be a human-made tunnel dug into the ground with an established, fully functioning shelter structure inside. The structure was approximately 6’ in height, spanning approximately 10’ by 7’ in diameter.
Police located a homemade taser inside of the encampment which was laying on the ground.
There was no one found inside or in the nearby area during the initial discovery or in the weeks that followed. No individuals are in custody, and no one has been charged.
Police immediately notified key partner agencies including the Emergency Management and Community Safety (EMCS), Calgary Fire Department Technical Rescue Team (CFD), Parks and Open Spaces and Infrastructure Services, and an extensive assessment of the property was conducted.
Encampment excavation and removal
Encampments are immediately removed if there is evidence of imminent health and safety risk in collaboration and coordination with partner agencies.
On Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, before a planned excavation of the underground site occurred, the EMCS Vulnerable Persons Team conducted a thorough search of the site to remove debris outside of the entrance.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., after CFD conducted a final check to locate anyone inside of the encampment, approval was given for removal and crews began excavating the area, a process that lasted three days.
“Public safety for all Calgarians is our priority. This was an incredibly elaborate underground structure that was highly dangerous, not only for those inhabiting it, but for the surrounding community,” says Calgary Police Service District 1 Community Engagement Response Team Sergeant, Kristian Thorpe. “We continue to lead with compassion and help connect those who are facing homelessness with resources and supports. We thank all of our city partners for their assistance.”
“While this particular type of underground structure is not a recurring issue in Calgary, The City remains committed to addressing all unsafe sites where a camp has been placed in coordination with our partners, ensuring the safety of the individuals residing there and in the interest of public safety.”
“Camping on public land is against The City’s bylaws. However, when approaching sites where individuals are experiencing homelessness, we balance compassion with their safety and the safety of the community. Our teams work with community partners like the Drop-In Centre and Alpha House to provide services to individuals who are in need, and work to establish relationships and connect them to a variety of social supports and offers of help, if they are willing,” says Community Standards Inspector Sue Wall.
Supporting Calgarians experiencing homelessness
Those experiencing homelessness face multifaceted challenges, including but not limited to economic inequality, mental health issues, substance abuse, systemic discrimination, and insufficient access to social services and adequate affordable housing.
Addressing homelessness necessitates holistic approaches that prioritize affordable housing, social support systems, mental health services, and policies aimed at combating systemic injustices. Only through concerted efforts can we strive towards realizing the basic human right to adequate housing for all.
About the Calgary Police Service Community Engagement Response Teams (CERT)
The Calgary Police Service CERT is a proactive policing team, with some of the CERTs being partnered with AHS Clinicians, focused on high crime areas, vulnerable persons, and transit corridors, with the flexibility to move positions based on current crime data. The goal is to create safe public spaces by engaging with the community and taking action to reduce crime and social disorder through focused, collaborative enforcement and compassionate wrap around supports.
About the Emergency Management and Community Safety Vulnerable Persons Team
The Encampment Team identifies the location of the encampment and begins work on the steps to clean vacated encampments or build rapport with occupants, to connect them with needed resources and eventually issue a vacate notice.
Media contacts:
Calgary Police Service
403-428-7979
media@calgarypolice.ca
City of Calgary Media Relations
Media.Relations@Calgary.ca
403-828-2954
