Crime Prevention for Businesses: Trespassing and the CPS Agent Status Program
by the BRCA Safe Community Committee
Trespassing is an offence and one that undermines the security of private and public property. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Agent Status Program is a practical tool offered at no cost for local businesses. By authorizing officers to act as the property owner’s agent, police can lawfully attend private property to address trespassers without first locating the owner or manager. This is especially helpful outside regular business hours or when the responsible party is not immediately available.
Registration is straightforward: complete the CPS authorization form and display the Agent Status sticker near public entrances of your property so responding officers know that your business participates. Pairing Agent Status with everyday practices—clear sightlines, good lighting, and establishing expectations for behaviour on premises—creates a layered prevention approach to trespassing and other crimes.
Business owners remain encouraged to call 9‑1‑1 for emergencies (such as threats, violence, or crimes in progress) and 403‑266‑1234 for non‑urgent police attendance.
For small businesses, collaboration matters. Share patterns (like recurring times of disorder or locations) with neighbouring shops and property managers, and coordinate improvements—lighting, cleaning schedules, and other maintenance—to reduce opportunities for loitering or concealment. Consider scheduling staff training on when and how to call police, and establish a simple incident log (date, time, location, people involved, actions taken). Reliable reporting helps CPS allocate patrols and resources to crime hotspots. When incidents involve vulnerable individuals, emphasize employee safety: avoid confrontation, keep distance, call police, and document details for follow‑up.
Find Out More
• Calgary Police Service Agent Status Program: calgary.ca/cps/public-services/agent-status.html
• City of Calgary Crime Prevention: calgary.ca/cps/community-programs-and-resources/crime-prevention/crime-prevention.html
Community Safety Contacts
• 9-1-1: Emergency Services (For emergencies or crimes in progress)
• 403-266-1234: Calgary Police Non-Emergency Line
• 3-1-1: City of Calgary (Report graffiti or vandalism) or calgary.ca/bylaws/graffiti-recording-reporting-removing.html
• 800-222-8477: Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tips Line or www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx
• 2-1-1: Mental Health Support
The BRCA Safe Community Committee exists to enhance the safety, security, and well-being of Bridgeland residents through collaboration, community connection, and proactive initiatives. We believe the safest communities are those where all members feel welcome and included, supported by a strong sense of belonging, active engagement, and regular social interaction.
If you are interested in contributing to the safety of Bridgeland, please contact us at [email protected], or join us for our monthly meetings. We meet at 7:00 pm at the BRCA Hall Lantern Room on the first Tuesday of each month.
Click here to the Bridgeland/Riverside Community News home page for the latest Bridgeland/Riverside community updates.
