Added security measures creating a calm Calgary Stampede

There’s still a few more days to go, but the Calgary Stampede has been very quiet in 2018 from a policing standpoint.

Alberta Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley toured the Stampede grounds on Thursday to get an update from Calgary police.

There have been added security measures this year, including increased presence of officers and security on the grounds, more stringent bag checks, and metal detectors.

Ganley says this is having a positive effect.

“You know, I think it’s probably actually very similar to when I was a young person going down here. It’s mostly just sort of just young people kind of just showing off for each other, that sort of thing. So I think that’s really good news.”

Officers agree that it has been a typical Stampede, meaning it is still quite busy for them, but it is usually just the typical disorder calls from rowdy intoxicated people.

These increased security measures have resulted in very tangible numbers, as well.

“Certainly had a dramatic decrease on weapons seized, which is good,” says Inspector Paul Wyatt. “The numbers have dramatically dropped — 50 per cent for sure — probably higher when we get a tally count on Sunday.”

When it comes to those weapon seizures, it’s also usually just absent-mindedness.

“There have been six-inch, seven-inch knives — which hunters use or fishermen use — that they just forget in their backpack. And the rest are all pen knives and stuff. I haven’t seen, in the last few nights that I have been here, anything that looks particularly malicious,” added Insp. Wyatt.

Apart from the checks done by Stampede staff, the security is also very visible.

There’s anywhere between 50 and 60 Calgary police officers on the ground at any one time, with many more just metres away in District 1, and around 300 surveillance cameras keeping watch on the grounds.

Insp. Wyatt and Ganley both agree that the Stampede also deserves a lot of credit.

“The Stampede does a lot in terms of getting police down to these sorts of places, so we’re always willing to support but I think they’re doing a great job and everything seems to be turning out really well,” said Ganley.

This also allows the officers to have a better time during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

“It allows us more time to spend with the public,” said Insp. Wyatt. “Hang out, take photographs, have some fun with the kids, and interact more freely with others, rather than looking for trouble issues.”