by Michelle LeGrandeur
A previous Beacon shared a resource explaining how residences can participate in ensuring our community stays safe and engaging. One of the resources residences may consider using is S.C.A.N. or Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods.
What is SCAN?
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Unit makes communities safer by using civil legislation to target residential and commercial problem properties in rural and urban Alberta where specified illegal activity is occurring regularly. This includes drug trafficking, prostitution, and gang-related crime
SCAN holds owners accountable for activity taking place on their property and supports landlords by helping them remove problem tenants who disrupt neighbourhoods and destroy property.
A resource for communities across Alberta, the unit initiates investigations based on citizen tips and works in partnership with residents to increase safety.
How Does SCAN Work?
When a community member reports a problem property to SCAN, the unit will begin an investigation. Once the investigation confirms the activity, investigators will contact the property owner to try and solve the problem informally.
If informal efforts are unsuccessful, SCAN can apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order (CSO) that calls for owners to meet a number of conditions, or for the property to be closed for up to 90 days.
SCAN uses civil legislation to target properties, not people. Any criminal activity uncovered when dealing with these properties is turned over to the police to investigate.
What Are Signs I Can Look for In My Neighbourhood?
The following are common signs of suspicious or illegal activity. Observing one of the following doesn’t always signal illegal activity, but if they occur frequently or together, a problem may exist.
Signs to look for include:
• Residents that are rarely seen, distant, or secretive.
• Frequent visitors and usual traffic at odd times of the day or night.
• People repeatedly visiting the property who only come to the door for short durations.
• Increased vehicle or foot traffic.
• Frequent late-night activity.
• Windows blackened or curtains always drawn.
• Extensive investment in home security.
• Neglected properly and yard.
• Presence of drug paraphernalia or strange odours coming from the property.
• Residents who regularly meet vehicles near the property for short periods of time.
If you are suspicious of a property, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupant. Contact local police or SCAN at 1-866-960-SCAN. A complaint can be filed online or by phone. All complaints are confidential.
Accountable and Transparent
• Speak directly to an analyst.
• Direct access to an investigator.
Benefits of SCAN
• Improves community safety.
• Empowers citizens; complaint-driven process.
• Targets property, not individuals.
• Holds property owners accountable for activities on their properties.
Stay well and let’s continue to show our appreciation to all of those who continue to service and protect our neighbourhoods.
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