Community partnership reduces calls for police to high-rise by 98%

When the first homicide of 2013 occurred in Capital Towers back in January, crime was continuing to rise at the residential high-rise at an alarming rate. Capital Towers, 10028 106 Ave., previously referred to as its street name of "crack towers" due to the high number of drug-related violence and disorder incidents, had become a location of great concern for the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Downtown Division and the McCauley community. Violence, victimization and calls for service to the EPS had escalated to 100 calls a month, and the crime and disorder was affecting the surrounding neighbourhoods. As a result, the EPS including Downtown Division, the Equity Diversity and Human Rights Unit and N.E.T., the McCauley Revitalization Working Group, building management and owners of Capital Towers joined forces and put a plan in motion to address and remove the causes behind the criminal activity within the building.

 The project involved three phases: 

• An assessment of the building and tenants was undertaken in February, 2013. The most vulnerable "at risk" residents and the most active suites/individuals responsible for attracting and committing violent crime, were identified.

• A long-term sustainable plan was developed and implemented to support vulnerable tenants through the intervention, relocation and care of those at risk of victimization. The plan also dealt with those individuals responsible for attracting criminal activity, through enforcement or relocation far away from the building and vulnerable targets.

• The third phase involved working with building management, owners of the building and Safety Codes Edmonton to determine a long term solution that would mitigate risk and vulnerability to the residents of Capital Towers. As a result, suites are being renovated and security of the building has been substantially improved in the common areas, the entrance, and in the elevators. A new facade will soon adorn the building, representing internal and external improvements and sending the message that Capital Towers will not tolerate criminal activity.

The difference this project has made is remarkable and the proof is in the numbers - calls for police service have gone from 100 calls a month in March, to just two calls for police assistance throughout the entire month of July 2013.

"A wrap up survey has been conducted and the results show a huge increase in resident perception of safety and security," say EPS Community Liaison Sgt. Ray Akbar, Downtown Division. "Tenants now feel safe enough to get involved in the process of revitalizing Capital Towers. They are excited about the improvements and optimistic about the future."

Organizations that partnered with EPS on this important project include the City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services and Capital Towers management.