Edmonton police share rare update on gang landscape in the city
Posted August 28, 2025 1:08 pm.
Last Updated August 29, 2025 8:08 am.
Edmonton police offered a rare glimpse into gang activity in Alberta’s capital city on Wednesday in a presentation for Downtown groups Wednesday CityNews attended.
Police estimate gang and organized crime involvement fluctuates in the Edmonton area between about 2,000 to 3,000 people, and typically about a quarter of homicides are linked to these groups.
While police don’t want people to worry — gang activity is common in cities with more than a million people, including Edmonton — the presentation was meant to help the public know the signs to look for, and to report suspicious activity to police.
“We talk for a need for people to be aware of their surroundings, we talk about for people to be aware of what’s being communicated to them,” said EPS Sgt. Ryan Ferry at a presentation for downtown groups, which CityNews attended.
Ferry, a sergeant in the force’s organized crime branch, shared how Edmontontians can identify those affiliated with two of the most active street gangs, demonstrating gang hand signals, tattoos and other common associated symbols.
Police hope sharing some information about gangs will also give the public confidence to report problems, to take steps to prevent gang activity on properties they manage, and not to be intimidated away from using spaces they have a right to access.
“I spoke earlier about hand signs or tattoos or graffiti,” Ferry said. “If people in our city are seeing those indicia, or their signs, we certainly want them to pay attention and to take steps to one, protect themselves; we don’t want them to go into a situation unaware.”
The EPS says Edmonton’s higher prison population and more prison release programs make the landscape unique.
Police say gangs recruit youth nstruggling to fit in with the promise of connection and wealth.
Members of the public who want to report gang activity can contact Crime Stoppers or EPS’ non-emergency gang hotline 780-414-GANG.
CityNews will offer continuing coverage of gang activity in Edmonton.
