The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN) unit of the Alberta sheriffs recently closed a home in Lethbridge due to complaints of drug activity. The investigation into the property began in early 2021 after receiving multiple complaints from neighbors about the activities taking place there. The manager of the Alberta sheriffs SCAN unit in southern Alberta, Mike Dirkson, stated that the investigation took over three years to accumulate enough evidence for a community safety order to close the property. A neighbor who wished to remain anonymous described the past few years as terrifying, citing incidents such as the house catching on fire and a fatal overdose. The closure of the property was welcomed by the immediate community, who expressed gratitude for SCAN holding the homeowners accountable.
The process of investigating and closing problem properties through SCAN is a complex and time-consuming one. Dirkson explained that the evidence gathering process involves close collaboration with other agencies, and the decision to close a property is based on ensuring enough evidence is present to justify a community safety order. Despite the lengthy process, Dirkson emphasized that most problem properties can be remedied without the need for closure. This closure marks the 129th property closure out of more than 8,800 investigations conducted by SCAN, indicating the rarity and severity of the situation that led to the closure in Lethbridge. Dirkson views the closure as a positive reflection of the increased capacity and effectiveness of the SCAN unit in tackling problem properties in southern Alberta.
The closure of the property on Eagle Road in north Lethbridge was described by a neighbor as akin to “Christmas coming early,” highlighting the relief and gratitude felt by the immediate community. The community safety order obtained by SCAN imposes additional conditions on the home until November 2026, ensuring that the property remains closed and inaccessible to individuals engaging in criminal activities. Dirkson views the closure as a successful outcome of the efforts of the SCAN unit, which has been operational in Lethbridge for a year. He sees the closure of multiple properties in 2024 as a positive indication of the unit’s ability to address and intervene in problem properties throughout southern Alberta. Despite the closure of the property, Dirkson emphasized that the main goal of SCAN is to improve community safety and well-being by addressing and remedying issues within neighborhoods.
Overall, the closure of the Lethbridge property by the SCAN unit underscores the importance of community safety and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to address problem properties. The lengthy investigation process and the need for sufficient evidence to justify a community safety order demonstrate the thoroughness and diligence required in such cases. The closure was met with gratitude and relief by the immediate community, reflecting the positive impact of SCAN’s interventions in addressing criminal activities in neighborhoods. As the SCAN unit continues to expand and enhance its capabilities, it remains committed to improving community safety and addressing issues that threaten the well-being of residents in southern Alberta.
