Leduc RCMP Launches Urgent Crackdown on Social Disorder Today

UPDATE: The Leduc RCMP has launched an urgent crackdown on social disorder, conducting a one-day operation dubbed Project Street Light. On October 10, 2023, law enforcement patrolled over 300 kilometres, resulting in five arrests, 29 violation tickets totaling $5,500, and the dismantling of three encampments.

The initiative is a direct response to rising complaints about open drug use and encampments in Leduc. Insp. Kiel Samotej, the detachment commander, emphasized the project’s focus on enhancing street safety, connecting vulnerable individuals to necessary services, and fostering community involvement.

“Police need to be responsive to community residents, concerns of safety, and Leduc’s open area spaces,” Samotej stated during a news conference on Monday. The RCMP collaborated with various agencies to provide support for those affected, successfully connecting seven individuals with housing assistance, addiction support, and mental health services.

While the operation aimed to enforce the law, officers employed a compassionate approach, recognizing that simply issuing tickets would not solve the underlying issues. “What is that going to solve?” Samotej questioned regarding the issuance of fines in encampment areas.

Leduc Mayor Lars Hansen backed the initiative, reinforcing that community safety is a collective responsibility involving police, social services, and residents. “It is a reminder that keeping Leduc safe takes all of us,” he said.

However, the operation has faced criticism. Community organizations, including the Leduc Hub Association and the Leduc Community Living Association, reported they were unaware of Project Street Light and raised concerns over its effectiveness. Dan Jones, chair of the NorQuest College justice program, criticized the blitz approach. “The sweeps aren’t going to fix anything,” he stated. “If we don’t address [root causes like mental health and substance use disorders], we’re going to be dealing with this for years to come.”

The city has been without a dedicated shelter for 18 months since the closure of the Leduc Hub Association, which has led to increased social disorder. “Residents have noticed an increase in social disorder since the closure,” said Shannon Dalke, chair of the Leduc Hub Association. “People are having to live in encampments, which is causing more issues than having them in a safe space.”

Dalke highlighted that their mobile outreach service estimates approximately 75 individuals are currently unhoused in Leduc. The city acknowledges the difficulty in tracking the homeless population, as not everyone accesses social support services.

As the city council plans to discuss potential new shelter options, the impacts of Project Street Light and community safety remain at the forefront of Leduc’s agenda. The RCMP’s efforts may serve as a framework for future collaboration among agencies, but questions linger about the long-term solutions needed to truly address the complex issues facing vulnerable populations in the area.

Developments are ongoing, and community members are urged to engage in discussions about effective measures to enhance safety and support for all residents in Leduc.