Calgary Police Station Front Counter Closed Weekends Due to Staffing Shortage
The front counter at the District 5 police station in Saddle Ridge has been closed for two consecutive weekends, and Calgary Police Service (CPS) officials warn that similar closures could occur in the future due to ongoing officer shortages. This temporary measure reflects broader staffing challenges within the force as the city continues to grow rapidly.
Staffing Squeeze Forces Service Disruptions
CPS Deputy Chief Cliff O'Brien informed the Calgary Police Commission that the front counter at the station, located at 800 Saddletown Circle N.E., has been closed on weekends because of insufficient personnel. He emphasized that sworn officers must staff these counters for safety reasons, but the department lacks the resources to pull fully operational officers from street duties.
"I do think that is going to happen somewhere else as well... we just don't have the staff to pull off fully operational police officers," O'Brien stated during the meeting. He added that the CPS is attempting to predict staffing needs ahead of time and find officers to cover these positions, but the situation remains precarious.
Public Safety Prioritized Amid Resource Constraints
Chief Katie McLellan described the closure as a "temporary and strategic decision" aimed at maintaining core safety and critical functions during an operationally tight period. While acknowledging that the move is "not ideal," she stressed that it reflects a disciplined approach to prioritization when resources are stretched thin.
The public has been notified of the closures, with assurances that online and phone reporting options remain available. Nearby district office counters also continue to provide access for residents. Depending on staffing levels, the District 5 counter could face additional closures this coming weekend.
Increasing Call Volumes Exacerbate Strain
O'Brien highlighted a particularly demanding night on January 13 as an example of the workload straining CPS manpower. Officers responded to nearly 500 calls that evening, including a seven-hour standoff, a home shooting incident, and the discovery of a deceased woman. A week prior, call volumes reached 520.
"It really became that night an all hands on deck," O'Brien remarked, noting that such incidents illustrate the unseen challenges officers face daily. He added that prioritizing calls is becoming more frequent due to high demand.
Crime Trends and Recruitment Efforts
Despite a reported eight per cent decrease in violent crime and a seven per cent drop in property offences compared to 2024, call numbers have risen by seven per cent, according to McLellan. This discrepancy underscores the complexity of policing demands in a growing city.
McLellan emphasized that the staffing shortage reinforces the importance of recruitment and retention initiatives. The CPS has scheduled a series of hiring events from January 26 to February 8 to address these challenges and bolster the force's capacity to serve the community effectively.
