Calgary police chief speaks about state of local emergency caused by water crisis

It is time for a monthly check in with the Calgary Police Service. Joining me now from CPS headquarters is Chief Mark Neufeld. Good morning to you. Good morning, Dallas. So we are almost at 2 weeks now into this feeder main crisis. We're still in a state of local emergency. Can you talk about the the role that Calgary police has in a state of local emergency? Yes, absolutely. So the type of the emergency that's going on will really dictate what the role of the police will be. So obviously we're plugged in and supporting the city in any way we can, but primarily this is around utility infrastructure. So really our biggest contribution now, other than supporting in any way we can, is really looking at how we can conserve water just like all the other Calgarians. So basically we're looking at things corporately here like, you know, shutting down irrigation systems and car washes and that type of thing, and also reviewing any sort of infrastructure work that we're doing that could actually contribute to fires so that we don't add to the risk there that could take more water. So really I think because the business is is vast across the city and because we go on 24/7 365 little things that we can do here can actually make a big difference just like all of us. So that's really our big contribution right now. Can you just expand on what you said about protecting in in support of fire prevention? Yeah, so some of the things that we do like, you know, roof repairs and stuff like that on buildings and that type of thing involve involve techniques that could cause risk of fire. And so we don't want to do that. We'll put some of those things off so that we don't actually press the the CFD into action and end up having to use water that would have been avoidable. So really it's just a risk assessment around any sort of work we're going to do like that to make sure that if it's discretionary and we can put it off and reduce the risk of fire, then we'll do that. OK, so CPS in a support role through this. We have to talk about Stampede because I think we're just two, two weeks away and change from the Calgary Stampede parade and then the following ten days. Can you talk about the preparations underway from the Calgary Police Service around what's coming up? Absolutely. It it kind of sneaks up on you, doesn't it? It's a busy time, obviously. And we know based on last year that there was a near record people through the gate and all indications are this year it's going to be another great event. So we're fully engaged in our plans for policing the Calgary Stampede from the parade right through the events. We'll obviously have uniformed officers and and an increased police presence not only at the grounds, but anywhere there's there's Stampede festivities sort of going on. Like I say, it's, it's generally pretty good. What we end up doing is starting up what we call a 9th district. And so we put resources into sort of Stampede policing so that we're not taking them from other areas of the city. And then we sort of run that as a 9th district through Stampede. For the most part, our goal is to be visible and accessible to people and make sure that the events are, you know, family friendly where that's the case and people are responsible and that the event is safe and people can have a good time. People are usually encouraged to take public transit down to the grounds as well. And with all the construction around the Stampede grounds ongoing, even though they're going to be scaling it back, is there an increased police presence along the transit lines? There is, yeah. And you're exactly right at with the with the the size of the crowds and the amount of parking and the construction going on downtown, like public transit's your best way to move around. So we'll certainly be present on transit as well. And like I say, anywhere where there's a Stampede related event and also looking at how people get there and how people get home, you'll see more police on those routes. OK, before I move on, are you riding in the parade again? You know what, up in the air here. I'll be there in some capacity, but we're just finalizing all of that. OK, well, we'll watch for the chief on a horse, or maybe not this year, but we'll stay tuned for that. Before we let you go, June is an Indigenous History Month and you are taking part in your team in a number of events. Yeah, for sure. It's a busy time obviously in in the city generally, but during Indigenous History Month we have a number of things going on at. I think you're showing the the pictures there of the Heritage Park. We've got our teepee there and our relations team, our Indigenous relations team is working with community on a number of things. There's a powwow coming up this weekend at NMAX Park as well. And of course, as we go into Stampede, we also know that we have Elbow River Camp where we are every year as well. So I think June is a good time and into the summer is a good time to, you know, we're engaged all year long, but it's a good time to remember our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation as well. And Elbow River Camp is a good one for sure. Police Chief Mark Neufeld this morning. Thanks for this. Yeah, you too. Have a great day Dells.