Police conclude targeted enforcement project with significant results

Lethbridge Police arrested more than 300 people for open drug use, executed over 400 warrants and seized more than 2,000 doses of deadly drugs during a year-long targeted enforcement project to disrupt crime and disorder downtown.

The project began this spring with members of the Downtown Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit, High Risk Offenders Unit and Community Peace Officers working collaboratively to actively target high frequency offenders, areas with high volumes of crime and other negative behaviours specifically impacting the city centre. Members of the Alberta Sheriffs SCAN Team also partnered with LPS on a number of the project days and in total, between both organizations, more than 730 hours were invested in downtown safety.

Between March and December 11, a total of 442 outstanding warrants were executed, 304 people were arrested for open drug use, 202 Criminal Code charges were laid, 2,054 doses of methamphetamine and fentanyl were removed from the street, six stolen vehicles were recovered, numerous weapons were seized and officers had 403 positive interactions with business owners and members of the public. 

LPS plans to continue deploying resources to conduct similar projects in 2025 and beginning in January, four additional officers will be added to the Downtown Policing Unit to help increase visibility, continue targeting crime and reduce harm. With the addition of the new positions, the unit will include six Constables and a Sergeant.