Edmonton police looking at new strategy to tackle gun and gang violence

Edmonton Police Service will be conducting a new strategy to try and address firearm violence and gang-related crimes in Edmonton between 2023-25.

In a statement, EPS says the new strategy will be taking an evidence-based and data-driven approach to target factors driving those particular crime areas.

“Like many other cities across Canada, we’ve seen an unacceptable trend in illegal ownership and violent use of firearms. Our officers are seizing more firearms when responding to calls for service as perpetrators’ disregard for the safety of Edmontonians grows more brazen,” said Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee.

“These acts of violence are closely linked with organized crime, and the level of victimization puts the safety of our communities at risk. Street gangs and organized crime networks are often entrenched in other illegal activities, such as trafficking illegal drugs, which too often exploits the most vulnerable in society. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

In addition, Edmonton police will be looking at external partnerships with other enforcement and social agencies in order to create a more balanced plan of suppression, intervention, and prevention.

“As organized crime groups become more sophisticated, investigations – including shootings – are becoming more complex and resource-intensive,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Stewart of EPS’ Guns and Gangs Section. “The large majority of shootings are targeted but that doesn’t make it any less concerning or dangerous for the public and bystanders. We continue to work diligently, being proactive where we can and exhausting all investigative avenues, but the risks remain very real.”

Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 9, 2022, there were 138 shootings within Edmonton — two more than the same period in 2021.