Calgary police to step up enforcement around COVID-19 restrictions

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Alberta, the province’s top doctor has issued a letter to police chiefs asking for help in enforcing the public health measures.

The letter focuses on the targeted two-week restrictions that were introduced Friday, including the stopping of liquor sales by 10 p.m. and the suspension of group fitness classes.

“The Government of Alberta has worked collaboratively with and has appreciated the support of police agencies throughout the pandemic. I am writing to ask that you and your colleagues continue your support of our efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 by supporting the enforcement of these new measures, which will be in effect for a two-week time period, from November 13 to November 27, inclusive,” the letter From Dr. Deena Hinshaw reads.

Officers responded to complaints received last weekend about certain locations not following public health measures. As of Tuesday, the Calgary Police Services (CPS) said it has issued a total of 44 tickets, six for face-covering violations and 38 for premise related violations.

Superintendent Ryan Ayliffe believes more tickets will be issued in the future, but their main focus is still education over enforcement.

“We’re looking for connecting to people through education and getting compliance through that route as opposed to pure enforcement,” he said.

“It just depends on what presents itself to our officers at the time. The great majority of the people that we deal with in the public are amazing to deal with, and in fairness to everybody, things change with what Alberta Health is requiring us to do, so in some cases, people might think we’re doing the right thing but in fact, they might not have heard the latest updates.”

Ayliffe added when it comes to ticketing, they want to make sure they are issuing those fines for the right reasons. If all other options have been exhausted to make things safe Ayliffe said they will use enforcement.

The letter sent by Hinshaw doesn’t change the way police can enforce the rules but ensures CPS will work with its partners to make sure any new guidelines from Alberta Health are followed.

Alyiffe said at the end of the day the responsibility of keeping the community safe boils down to individuals.

“Everybody has their own personal stake in the pandemic,” he said. “It comes down to every individual taking responsibility for their own actions and doing what’s right for everyone around them.”