Public safety task force gets the green light

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – City council approved a motion to introduce a crime task force to tackle the rise of gun violence in the city.

The motion was brought forward by Ward Five Councillor George Chahal who wanted a group of community members to help identify ways to address the increase in violent crimes.

RELATED: Council discusses possible gun safety task force 

Chahal said there are several people who want to be part of the task force which will help reduce costs.

“I’m hoping that it is community-based where it is very volunteer-driven but there is going to be some costs for meetings and other nominal expenses which I think we will be able to provide from the city.”

Today Council unanimously supported creating a community based Public Safety Task Force to address growing drug, gang and gun violence in Calgary. Thank you to my #YYCCC colleagues for your support. #YYC #WorkingTogether #PublicSafetyTaskForce #ABLeg #cdnpoli

— George Chahal (@ChahalGeorge) February 4, 2020

The team will be put together over the next couple of weeks and will decide what preventative programs could be introduced and then report back to council with recommendations.

“(We will) identify the mandate and scope of the task force,” said Chahal. “We’re looking to do that over the next several weeks and hopefully get up and running right after that.”

Critics of the task force have called it unprofessional saying the Calgary Police Commission is already doing a good job of addressing the issue.

WATCH: Critics take shot at public safety task force

In 2019, Calgary experienced over 80 shootings, compared to just under 50 in 2018.