Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN)

Working Together for Safer Communities

Across Alberta, one problematic property can have a ripple effect—impacting neighbours, lowering community safety, and affecting quality of life. That’s where the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit plays an important role.

Operated through the Alberta Sheriffs, SCAN is a specialized unit that focuses on addressing properties—not individuals—where ongoing illegal activity is creating harm in a neighbourhood.

SCAN operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, provincial legislation designed to protect residents from properties that threaten community safety or disrupt peaceful living.

Rather than building criminal cases against individuals, SCAN uses a civil law approach to deal with locations where illegal activity happens repeatedly.

This includes properties linked to:

  • Drug trafficking or production
  • Prostitution or human trafficking
  • Gang-related activity
  • Child exploitation

These types of activities often bring increased traffic, noise, and safety concerns into neighbourhoods—issues SCAN is specifically designed to address.

SCAN investigations typically begin with a concern raised by a resident, landlord, or community member. All reports are confidential, and individuals are not required to participate in court proceedings.

Once a complaint is received, SCAN investigators:

  1. Assess and confirm whether ongoing illegal activity is occurring
  2. Work with property owners to resolve the issue voluntarily
  3. Take legal action if necessary

In many cases, issues can be resolved early through cooperation. However, if problems persist, SCAN can apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order.

This order may:

  • Require the owner to meet specific conditions (e.g., improved security, tenant screening)
  • Restrict certain activities on the property
  • In serious cases, close the property for up to 90 days

One of the key strengths of SCAN is its focus on long-term community impact. Instead of responding to isolated incidents, SCAN targets properties where problems are ongoing and disruptive.

This approach:

  • Helps restore safety and peace of mind for neighbours
  • Holds property owners accountable
  • Supports police by addressing locations tied to repeated criminal activity

SCAN works alongside traditional law enforcement, sharing information when criminal investigations are required.

While not every unusual activity signals a problem, some common signs of a concerning property include:

  • Frequent short-term visitors at all hours
  • Ongoing late-night activity
  • Covered or blacked-out windows
  • Strong or unusual odours
  • Excessive security measures or neglected property conditions

If several of these signs are present consistently, it may be worth reporting. Residents can safely and confidentially report concerns to SCAN by calling: 1-866-960-SCAN (7226).

Reports can also be submitted online through the Government of Alberta website. Your identity is protected, and your information will not be shared without consent.

Keeping communities safe is a shared effort. SCAN provides Albertans with a practical, confidential way to address problem properties and take back their neighbourhoods.

By working together—residents, property owners, and enforcement agencies—we can help ensure our communities remain safe, welcoming places to live.