Creating safer communities

By Brandie Majeau
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit plays a crucial role in
enhancing community safety by utilizing civil legislation to address ongoing illegal
activities in both rural and urban areas of Alberta. This specialized unit targets
problematic residential and commercial properties where specified illegal activities occur
regularly, aiming to address and mitigate these issues to create safer and more secure
neighborhoods for residents.
This unit is focused on addressing issues such as drug activity, prostitution, and
gang-related crime. SCAN is responsible for ensuring that property owners are held
accountable for any illegal activity taking place on their premises. Additionally, it
provides support to landlords by assisting them in removing problematic tenants who
are causing disruptions in neighborhoods and damaging property. This unit serves as a
valuable resource for communities across Alberta, initiating investigations based on tips
from citizens and collaborating with residents to enhance safety measures.
When a community member reports a problematic property to SCAN, the Safer
Communities and Neighborhoods unit will initiate an investigation. This investigation will
involve gathering evidence to confirm the reported activity. Subsequently, the
investigators will reach out to the property owner to address the issue through informal
means, such as mediation or advising on corrective actions. If informal efforts to
address issues are ineffective, SCAN has the authority to seek a Community Safety
Order (CSO) from the courts. This order can require property owners to comply with a
set of conditions, or in more severe cases, result in the closure of the property for a
period of up to 90 days. It is important to note that SCAN employs civil legislation to
address issues related to properties, not individuals. In the event of any criminal activity
being discovered during these interventions, SCAN promptly refers the matter to the
police for further investigation.
Safer Communities and Neighborhoods (SCAN) is an invaluable initiative that
aims to engage and empower citizens in contributing to the safety and security of their
communities. By providing a confidential platform for reporting suspicious activities,
SCAN enables community members to play an active role in identifying and addressing
potential problem areas. It is important to note that SCAN does not focus on singling out
individuals; rather, it encourages collective vigilance and cooperation in identifying signs
of suspicious or illegal activities that may compromise community safety. Reports can
be submitted by calling the toll-free number 1-866-960-SCAN or by visiting the provided
website www.alberta.ca/report-suspicious-property.

This proactive approach not only enhances community safety but also fosters a
sense of shared responsibility and unity in safeguarding neighborhoods.