Calgary police survey shows citizens feel safe, despite rising gang violence

Despite rising concern about gang violence in Calgary, most citizens believe the police are doing a good job of keeping the city safe and are confident about the job that police are doing, saysa police survey released today.

The survey by the Calgary Police Commissionsays 95 per cent of citizens agree Calgary is a safe place to live and 95 per cent are satisfied with the Calgary Police Service.

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About half of Calgarians feel that crime has stayed the same over the last 12 months, but 37 per cent of Calgarians feel that crime has increased during that time.

There are also concerns that gang and drug crime have increased since 2014. The safety issues of greatest concern are break-ins, illegal gang activity, and illegal drug activities.

Other highlights of the report include:

• Citizens who had contact with officers gave them high scores for professionalism, respectfulness, courtesy, and communicating information clearly.
• Officers also received the highest scores since 2009 for being ethical, competent, responding in a fair way, and understanding the safety needs and concerns of citizens.
• There are steady improvements in the perception that CPS provides an adequate level of service and are "there when needed."

The survey was sent to1,002 Calgaryresidents over an eight weeks from June 22 and Aug. 16, 2015. The survey is considered accurate plus or minus 3.1 per cent 19 times out of 20.