Calgary's Safety Debate: Bridging Perception and Data

Understanding Calgary's Safety Landscape

A recent social media post from "The Deport Report" referencing Calgary Police has again highlighted persistent community conversations about public safety and crime. Many Calgarians feel a rising sense of unease, often linking perceived crime increases to broader demographic shifts and social challenges. This sentiment, amplified online, suggests a significant decline in overall security.

However, official data paints a more complex picture. While specific challenges like downtown violent crime and social disorder have seen a six-year high, driven by street robberies and assaults, Calgary's overall crime severity index actually decreased by 14.9% between 2023 and 2024. The city's index remains well below the national average. Despite some narratives, there is no evidence suggesting immigrants are more prone to criminal activity; rather, research consistently shows they commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens. The Calgary Police Service actively engages with diverse communities through initiatives like its Diversity Resource Team and the "You and the Law" program for newcomers, complementing the City's "Welcoming Community Policy" that recognizes immigration as vital for Calgary's success.