Alberta's Unique Approach to Community Safety
Alberta's Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods program, commonly known as SCAN, has developed a distinctive method for tackling drug activity and public safety concerns that operates alongside traditional law enforcement. Since its creation in 2008, the program has occupied a unique space that blends elements of policing and social work without being strictly either.
The program emerged from a recognition that the court system often struggled to address dangerous and disruptive environments, even when entire neighbourhoods suffered the consequences of activities occurring within a single property. SCAN's innovative solution focuses on the physical location rather than individual criminal guilt.
How the SCAN Process Works
Unlike criminal investigations that require proving intent and guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, SCAN utilizes civil law. The program only needs to demonstrate that a property is being habitually used for activities that undermine public safety. These activities include drug manufacturing, trafficking, chronic drug use, gang activity, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and child exploitation.
The program typically begins with a confidential complaint from a tenant, neighbour, landlord, social worker, or patrol officer. Investigations concentrate on behavioural patterns and community impact rather than specific suspects. Investigators look for evidence such as vehicles arriving at all hours, brief visits throughout the day and night, permanently curtained windows, overdoses, break-ins, recruiting activities, and violence that spills into public spaces.
When evidence meets the required threshold, SCAN contacts the property owner and encourages voluntary resolution. Many owners cooperate immediately by implementing security measures, beginning eviction proceedings, installing cameras, or agreeing to specific conditions. However, some property owners deny that any problematic activities are occurring.
Enforcement and Recent Success
When voluntary cooperation fails, SCAN can request a community safety order from the courts. These orders may force compliance measures, remove occupants, or in more serious cases, completely shut down the property for up to 90 days. Following a community safety order, Alberta Sheriffs can provide input on who may live at the property for a one-year period, preventing previous tenants from resuming problematic activities after the closure ends.
A recent demonstration of SCAN's effectiveness occurred on November 5, 2025, when Alberta Sheriffs shut down a problem property in northwest Edmonton. The location at 15812 110A Avenue NW had received more than 40 police visits in the preceding five months. The investigation revealed extensive drug activity, suspected thefts, and the discovery of methamphetamine, weapons, cash, and drug paraphernalia. The unit obtained a court order against the property owner, resulting in a minimum 90-day closure.
This civil approach allows SCAN to address community safety concerns that might otherwise persist due to the higher evidentiary standards required in criminal proceedings. By focusing on property use patterns rather than individual prosecutions, the program provides communities with relief from persistent criminal activity that affects neighbourhood quality of life.
