Behind the Badge
Tuesday 26 November 2024
As part of the Calgary Police Service (CPS), officers that are part of the Community Engagement Resource Teams (CERT) play a unique and impactful role, serving as a bridge between the community and law enforcement. Like traditional patrol officers, CERT officers focus primarily on community engagement, fostering relationships, and proactive crime prevention but at a much more focused level.
A typical day for a CERT officer involves a blend of outreach, public education, and intervention. They may engage with residents, schools, businesses, and community groups, offering guidance on safety and security practices while actively listening to and addressing community concerns. By maintaining a regular presence and building trust, CERT officers empower Calgary’s neighborhoods to collaborate effectively with law enforcement, creating a safer, more cohesive environment.
One of the CERT officers’ central responsibilities is problem-solving on a community level. They work closely with residents and business owners to identify and address issues such as vandalism, theft, and social challenges, often before these problems escalate into larger conflicts. Equipped with training in conflict resolution and crisis intervention, CERT officers can mediate disputes and connect individuals with support services like mental health resources, housing, or addiction support. Guided by Calgary Police Service’s core values — integrity, respect, and service — CERT officers embody a compassionate approach to law enforcement, ensuring community members feel heard and supported.
This photo essay, “Behind the Badge,” will take viewers inside the world of a Calgary CERT officer, capturing their interactions, their challenges, and the ways they positively influence Calgary’s neighborhoods every day. Through a series of images, the project will reveal the dedication and commitment of these officers, highlighting their crucial role in strengthening the bond between the Calgary Police Service and the community it serves.
Morning Briefing: Strategizing Community Engagement
As dawn breaks, CERT officers convene for their daily briefing, a cornerstone of their operational routine. These sessions are structured to align the team's efforts with the Calgary Police Service's core values of integrity, respect, and service. During the briefing, officers review the previous day's activities, analyzing incidents and community interactions to identify patterns and areas requiring attention.
This reflective practice enables the team to adapt their strategies to the evolving dynamics of the neighborhoods they serve. Discussions often encompass emerging social issues, such as the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness or drug usage, ensuring that officers approach these situations with empathy and informed perspectives.
By fostering open communication, the briefing encourages the sharing of diverse viewpoints, enriching the team's collective understanding. Collaborative problem-solving is emphasized, with officers brainstorming proactive measures to prevent potential conflicts and enhance community well-being. The session also serves as a platform to coordinate with other units and community partners, reinforcing a unified approach to public safety.
Through these comprehensive briefings, CERT officers are well-prepared to engage with Calgary's communities thoughtfully and effectively.
Preparing for the Streets
While enroute to their patrol, officers diligently reviews any and all recent incident reports and crime statistics pertinent to their assigned area on one of the CPS issued laptops. These laptops are usually locked down both physically and software wise. This preparatory step enables them to identify emerging patterns and hotspots, allowing for a more strategic and optimal approach to their duties.
By staying informed about recent events, they can anticipate potential issues and allocate resources effectively. This proactive stance not only enhances their situational awareness but also ensures that they are prepared to address the community's concerns with the most current information. Such thorough preparation underscores the commitment of CERT officers to proactive and informed community engagement.
East Village Safety Hub: Facilities Behind the Scenes
The East Village Safety Hub serves as a pivotal base for CERT officers while on patrol, providing essential facilities that support their demanding roles without having to go back to one of their main offices. Within this space, officers complete necessary paperwork, documenting incidents and interactions to maintain accurate records, as you will see Constable Chris Antignani (left; standing) and Constable Clay Hardy (right; sitting) meticulously checking their documentation and work before being submitted.
This administrative work, although sometimes seen as mundane at times, is crucial for transparency and accountability, ensuring that all actions are properly recorded and can be reviewed when necessary. Additionally, the hub offers a respite where officers can take brief breaks, allowing them to recharge amidst their rigorous schedules. This balance between administrative duties and moments of rest is vital for sustaining the officers' well-being and effectiveness in the field.
On the Beat: Building Trust Through Presence
CERT officers embark on foot patrols in downtown Calgary, a deliberate strategy to foster visibility and approachability. Their presence is a reassuring sight for residents and business owners, symbolizing the Calgary Police Service's commitment to community safety. Regular patrols serve as a deterrent to potential criminal activity, contributing to a secure environment.
Beyond enforcement, these patrols facilitate spontaneous interactions with community members, allowing officers to listen to concerns and provide immediate assistance. Engaging in casual conversations, officers gather valuable insights into local issues, enabling them to address problems proactively. This approach helps in identifying underlying causes of disturbances, leading to more effective solutions.
The officers' familiarity with the community fosters trust, encouraging residents to share information and collaborate on safety initiatives. By being accessible and attentive, CERT officers build relationships that are essential for effective community policing. Their consistent presence underscores the Calgary Police Service's dedication to maintaining a safe and welcoming downtown area.
Compassion: Empathy Even through hardships
Theft and related crimes in downtown Calgary have far-reaching implications, affecting both the perception of safety among customers and the financial stability of businesses. Small, family-owned shops, in particular, suffer significant losses from stolen goods, which can lead to severe financial strain. The cumulative effect of these crimes can deter patrons from visiting affected areas, further impacting local commerce.
CERT officers recognize these challenges and approach them with empathy, understanding the hardships faced by both victims and offenders. Constable Clay Hardy makes an arrest on theft, but you will soon see that the officers will need to have a serious talk with the offender.
They advise business owners against directly confronting offenders, as such actions can escalate into dangerous situations, potentially resulting in physical harm. Instead, officers recommend contacting emergency services by calling 911 to ensure that trained professionals handle the situation safely.
This guidance aims to protect the well-being of business owners and employees while addressing criminal activities appropriately. By fostering a collaborative approach to crime prevention, CERT officers work alongside the community to restore trust and security within the downtown area.
Crisis Intervention: Compassion in Action
Building upon their understanding of the impact of theft on businesses, CERT officers engage directly with both offenders and business owners to foster relationships grounded in trust and respect. By initiating open dialogues, they work to comprehend the motivations behind criminal behaviors and offer support aimed at rehabilitation. Simultaneously, they collaborate with business owners to develop preventive strategies and provide reassurance of their commitment to maintaining public safety. This dual approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also contributes to long-term solutions, reinforcing the social fabric of the downtown community.
Engaging People of All Backgrounds - Part 1
CERT officers respond not only to individuals in crisis but also to organizations seeking authoratative figures for assistance. Officers find the appropriate supportive services to connect individuals with, such as shelters, which is a much needed service especially during the winter months where weather conditions does not favor being outside. Their training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques enables them to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring the safety and dignity of all involved.
This compassionate approach not only resolves immediate concerns but also fosters trust between the police and the community, encouraging individuals to seek help when needed and to have them stay in touch with organizations such as those that provide shelter. By providing a calm and understanding presence, CERT officers can defuse potentially volatile situations.
Their ability to connect individuals with resources such as mental health counseling, shelter, and medical care demonstrates a commitment to holistic support. This approach reduces the likelihood of future crises and promotes a sense of security within the community. Through their compassionate actions, CERT officers exemplify the Calgary Police Service's dedication to serving and protecting all members of society.
However, places that provide services and shelter also face many challenges, including potential over capacity of occupants, people with mental illnesses from drug use, physical violence, and verbal abuse. All these play a huge role in the mental health and physical wellbeing for the staff. CERT officers are often called to scenes to mitigate situations, especially those that involve physical violence where staff at these organizations may not have the capability to do so.
Engaging People of All Backgrounds - Part 2
CERT officers proactively engage with downtown business owners to address safety concerns and develop collaborative solutions. Regular meetings and open dialogues allow officers to understand the unique challenges each business faces, fostering a sense of partnership and mutual trust. Their consistent presence serves as a visible deterrent to potential criminal activities, providing reassurance to business owners, employees, and customers alike. This heightened sense of security contributes to a vibrant economic environment, encouraging patronage and investment in the downtown core.
To tackle issues such as theft and vandalism, CERT officers conduct thorough assessments of crime patterns and work with businesses to implement effective prevention measures. They offer tailored advice on enhancing security infrastructure, such as installing surveillance systems and improving lighting, to deter criminal behavior. Beyond immediate security measures, officers organize workshops and seminars focused on crime prevention strategies, including employee training and establishing communication channels with law enforcement.
By cultivating strong relationships with the business community, CERT officers create a cohesive network dedicated to vigilance and mutual support, leading to a more resilient and prosperous downtown area.
the Balance: Transitioning from Duty to Personal Life
As the day concludes, CERT officers drive back to the district office, marking the end of their shift. This transition period is crucial for officers to compartmentalize the day's experiences, allowing them to separate the demands of their profession from their personal lives. Engaging in post-shift routines, such as debriefing sessions, provides an opportunity to process events, share insights, and offer mutual support among colleagues. These practices are essential in mitigating the mental and physical stresses inherent in law enforcement roles.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for officers to sustain their well-being and effectiveness. By setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, they can recharge and engage fully with family and community activities. Incorporating regular physical exercise, mindfulness techniques, and pursuing hobbies further contributes to their overall health. The Calgary Police Service supports these efforts by providing access to mental health resources and promoting a culture that values officer wellness. Through these comprehensive strategies, CERT officers are better equipped to serve their community with resilience and dedication.