With the changing of the seasons we, as police, find that we are now required to change the way we do our job in Boyle Street and McCauley. In this neighbourhood, we typically find the cause of many concerns to be roaming around in plain sight during the warm summer months. There is a marked change in the winter.

As the cold weather sets in, the population that was on the streets is now found jumping from address to address seeking warmth and continuing to partake in many of the same activities that drew attention to them in the summer months. With these activities more out of sight they are typically more out of mind for those who do not live next door to them. The unfortunate neighbour to the flop pads and drug houses is now in a tough spot as they are left with a constant negative presence affecting their day to day activities and well-being.

Police often get called to addresses such as these for noise complaints or assaults. Sometimes we receive tips through the general complaint line or from Report a Drug House from community members, informing us about the constant traffic and noise that is occurring. When we make the determination that an address is being used as a flop house or to sell drugs from, we take action in several ways.

In order to address the problem at hand there are several strategies we undertake. We may decide to attack the problem covertly through the use of undercover officers who will gain enough intelligence to conduct a search warrant at the property. Through this method we may find the grounds to charge the people at the address and remove them from the location.

If we decide to not deal with the situation in this manner we will tackle the problem head on with an increased visible police presence. We will visit the address regularly, executing arrest warrants on those found within when applicable and ensuring that the occupants understand the police are aware of their presence. Once the problem abates we will work with the legal tenants of the property as well as the owner/landlord to ensure it does not occur again.

Slum landlords make solving problems at these addresses very difficult as they do not care who their tenants are, what they do, or what effect they have on the rest of the community.

Slum landlords make solving problems at these addresses very difficult as they do not care who their tenants are, what they do, or what effect they have on the rest of the community. In these situations external agencies are often relied upon to put pressure on the landlords and owners. Edmonton Bylaw may be able to increase pressure through the issuance of tickets and clean up orders while Alberta Health Services is able to ensure the owner’s property is up to health standards.

Safer Communities and Neighborhoods (SCAN) is another resource that can be a powerful tool for communities. SCAN promotes safe communities by making property owners accountable for illegal activity that occurs on their property. This includes but is not limited to drug use, drug sale, prostitution, and gang activity. SCAN can be reached at 1-866-960-SCAN and you will be contacted. SCAN works with the Edmonton Police to resolve issues in addresses like these.

If you have concerns or would like to report an address you are aware of, please contact myself and SCAN. We will look into the property as soon as we are able and will work towards finding a solution that will create a safer community.

Cst. Walkom can be reached at (780) 421-2603 or via email at michael.walkom@edmontonpolice.ca.