CPS Victim Assistance Support Team

Civilian technical subject matter experts and support staff are an essential part of the Calgary Police Service, contributing specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as information technology, legal services, communications, finance and human resources. Their work helps keep critical services running and allows officers to focus on serving Calgarians. Interested in how you can proudly serve? Explore civilian career opportunities with us. To learn more, visit: calgarypolice.ca/careers

🔵 UPDATE 🔵 Our Traffic Section continues to investigate a multi-vehicle collision in N.E. Calgary that resulted in 3 fatalities & left 1 person with life-altering injuries. 📍 At approx. 1:10 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, a City of Calgary transit bus was travelling northbound in the 800 block of Saddletowne Circle N.E., approaching the intersection of 80 Avenue N.E. It is believed the bus struck a truck travelling in the same direction. The truck entered an adjacent lane, where it sideswiped a SUV before continuing forward & striking the rear of a box truck. The bus continued northbound & struck the rear of a sedan, pushing the vehicle through the intersection. The sedan then travelled toward Saddletowne Circle N.E., where it struck a truck. Both vehicles eventually came to rest. The bus continued northbound & struck the rear of a 2nd City of Calgary transit bus. Both buses travelled a short distance following the collision before coming to a stop. During the collision, the natural-gas tanks on the 2nd bus ignited. The 2nd bus continued forward before striking a sedan. Within seconds, the fire intensified resulting in an explosion & significant fire inside the bus. 3 passengers on the 2nd bus were found deceased. 2 have since been identified & their next of kin have been notified. Efforts to identify the 3rd individual remain ongoing. The driver of the 2nd bus was able to exit the vehicle. The driver of the 1st bus was transported to hospital with life-altering injuries. The remaining drivers involved in the collision were either uninjured or sustained minor injuries. As a result of the multi-vehicle collision, 16 people sustained minor injuries, including an officer who is now recovering at home. At this time, it is too early to determine whether impairment, speed or distraction contributed to the collision. All possible factors remain under investigation. Anyone who was affected by witnessing this incident is encouraged to connect with our Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) by calling 403-428-8398 or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828. VAST is a free service provided to victims of crime and tragedy. More information is available at: calgary.ca/cps/community-pro… Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police. Information? ☎️ CPS: 403-266-1234 🛑 @stopcrimeyyc ⚖ Case #: CA26474612 | 5336 🌐 newsroom.calgary.ca/three-de…

Earlier today, we responded to a serious collision & vehicle fire involving a transit bus that resulted in a the deaths of 3 people & injuries to at least 16 others. We recognize today's incident was deeply distressing for those directly impacted as well as the broader community. Support is available. Our Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) is a free service offered to victims & witnesses of crime or tragedy. If you or someone you know is in need of support, VAST is here to help. For more information, visit: calgarypolice.ca/about-us/ou…

Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. As first responders, we regularly interact with people who are struggling, experiencing a crisis or need assistance in accessing mental health supports. Today, we stand with everyone who has been impacted by suicide, including those who work in law enforcement & who are part of the first responder community, as well as those who have lost a loved one, & those who continue to support others through difficult times. 💙 Together we can continue to build a community where kindness, compassion & connection help people find the support they need, both within our Service & with others. A simple conversation can make a difference. 🔗 For more information about available resources, including the Police & Crisis Team, the Mobile Response Team & other community partner services, please visit calgary.ca/cps/commitment-to….

We recognize today's incident was deeply distressing for those directly impacted as well as the broader community. Support is available. Our Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) is a free service offered to victims & witnesses of crime or tragedy. If you or someone you know is in need of support, VAST is here to help. 📞 403-428-8398 🔗 For more information, visit: calgarypolice.ca/about-us/ou…

Parker's parents have asked us to share this invitation in hopes communities near and far will join them in honouring his memory. During the weekend of August 8 to 9, 2026, take an Adventure Walk wherever you call home, with family, friends and loved ones. 💙

🔵 Community support available today 🔵 We recognize the devastating impact this incident has had on Parker's family, friends and Calgarians. As our city continues to grieve, we want to ensure support is available for anyone who has been affected by this tragedy. The Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) community outreach trailer will be at the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association & Recreation Centre today, Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. VAST volunteers, trauma dogs and staff will be on site to provide information, referrals and emotional support to community members who may be struggling with this loss. Those who cannot attend in person can contact VAST at 403-428-8398 or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828. VAST is a free service that provides support, resources and information to victims of crime and tragedy. More information is available at: calgarypolice.ca/about-us/ou… In addition to VAST, free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through 211, which connects individuals to community, social and mental health resources. If you need help, call or text 211, or visit ab.211.ca. We ask the public and media to be respectful of those accessing support resources at the VAST community outreach trailer. Please allow them space and privacy.

🌡️☀️ Every summer, emergency responders are called to rescue children & pets left in hot vehicles. Many don’t realize this isn’t just dangerous – it’s a crime. Leaving a child or pet in a hot car can lead to: ➡️ Criminal Code charges (including negligence, abandonment or even manslaughter if death occurs). ➡️ Bylaw violations. ➡️ Fines & jail time. ➡️ A ban on pet ownership. ⚠️ In just 10 minutes, a car’s interior can become 20 C hotter than the outside temperature. That’s enough to cause heatstroke, brain damage or death. 📞 If you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.

🤝 We are working closely with our partners at the Calgary Board of Education to offer supports & resources to the students & staff at Lester B. Pearson. In addition to the supports offered within the school, our Victim Assistance Support Team (@CPSVAST) is a free service offered to victims & witnesses of crime or tragedy. If you or if someone you know is in need of support, the Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) is here to help: 403-428-8398.

We recognize that yesterday’s incident was deeply distressing for those directly impacted and the broader community. Incidents of this nature can be difficult to process, particularly when they involve children. Support is available. Our Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) is a free service offered to victims and witnesses of crime or tragedy. If you or someone you know is in need of support, VAST is here to help. 📞 403-428-8398 🔗 For more information, visit: calgarypolice.ca/about-us/ou…

The Calgary Police service is investigating reports of a phone scam currently happening in our city. People claiming to work for CPS are calling Calgarians and asking them for information and passwords for crypto currency accounts they may have, claiming it's needed for an investigation. The caller ID shows Westwinds (CPS headquarters) & a CPS phone number (403-428-2200). These calls are a scam. The Calgary Police would never ask anyone for financial information or account passwords. If you receive a call, please call the CPS non-emergency line. Information? ☎️ CPS: 403-266-1234 🛑 Calgary Crime Stoppers Information? ☎️ CPS: 403-266-1234 🛑 @stopcrimeyyc

🚗 DRIVE TO ZERO 🚗 Chelsea Meza says her life is divided into 2 parts – before June 1, 2020 & after. That was the day her husband Cory died, 3 days after he was struck by a car. Cory was cycling home from work across Macleod Trail, S.W., when he was hit by a driver later convicted of making an unsafe turn under the Traffic Safety Act. 💬 “That was the beginning of the worst chapter of my life. I suddenly went from being a happily married 20-something, planning to buy a house, to a grieving widow, planning a funeral. I lost my partner, my sounding board & my best friend in an instant. Cory was just trying to come home from work. Everyone should have the right to do that safely.” — Chelsea. As we enter the next phase of our Drive to Zero campaign, the CPS & The @CityOfCalgary are reminding Calgarians that traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility. 📈 So far in 2026, there have been 5,164 traffic collisions. 8 people have been killed, including 3 pedestrians. 💬 “These deaths were preventable. We are urging drivers to obey all traffic signs & signals & stay focused on their surroundings while on the road.” — Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward of the CPS Traffic Unit. 📺 This week, we released the final Drive to Zero video, telling the story of one preventable tragedy from multiple perspectives. In September 2025, the CPS & The City of Calgary launched the Join the Drive to Zero campaign, consisting of a 3-part video series rolled out over the next year, telling the story of one preventable tragedy from multiple perspectives. Our goal is to tell the story of the ripple effect caused by a single tragic incident, ultimately leading to a positive change in driving behaviour to save lives. 🔗 To learn more about how you can help ensure safer mobility in Calgary, visit: calgary.ca/roads/safety/visi…

🐕‍🦺 On #NationalPuppyDay, we’re spotlighting the Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST). These pups play a transformative role, offering comfort, compassion & support when it’s needed most. 📞 If you require support, please reach out to our Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST): 403-428-8398 or [email protected] 🌐 For more information on VAST visit calgary.ca/content/www/en/ho……

Are you looking for a meaningful way to support your community? The Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) is recruiting volunteers & we’re hosting an upcoming volunteer information session for anyone interested in making a real difference.   📆 Tuesday, April 14, 2026  ⏲ 6 to 8 p.m.  📍 CPS headquarters – 5111 47 Street N.E., Westwinds East Building auditorium   VAST volunteers provide support, information and referrals to victims of crime or tragedy through the Call Centre, Court Support & Crisis Support programs. Comprehensive training is provided.   Volunteer requirements:  ✅ 18 years of age or older ✅ Able to pass an enhanced security clearance & panel interview ✅ Able to commit to 1 five-hour weekly Call Centre shift for 1 year   ❗ Only 75 spots are available for this session. Register today & learn how you can help support victims in our community.   📩 Register here: eventbrite.ca/e/victim-assis…

As part of this week’s #FraudPreventionMonth theme, we’re highlighting online scams that show up through fake websites, fraudulent advertisements, impersonation messages & deceptive social media accounts. These scams are designed to look legitimate, making them difficult to spot. Stay safe online by keeping these steps in mind: ➡️ Be cautious of unexpected messages from people claiming to be banks, delivery companies, government agencies or even friends. ➡️ Avoid clicking unfamiliar links, as they may lead to malicious websites created to steal your personal information. ➡️ If someone asks for personal details, passwords or financial information, verify their identity through a trusted source before responding. ➡️ Use a strong, unique password and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. ➡️ Watch for deals that seem too good to be true on online marketplaces or advertisements. ➡️ Report suspicious activity to help protect others. 📣 If you have suffered financial loss or had your personal information compromised, please report it by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or visiting @stopcrimeyyc at crimestoppers.org.

This week, as part of #FraudPreventionMonth, we’re highlighting one of the fastest-growing types of fraud: investment scams. These often begin with something that feels harmless, such as a ‘wrong number’ text or a friendly direct message, but they can quickly escalate into losses of thousands of dollars. These few simple habits can help protect yourself: 🔹 Be cautious of investment opportunities that promise guaranteed or “too good to be true” returns. 🔹 Take time to research platforms and look up independent reviews. 🔹 Avoid sharing personal information or sending money to unknown wallet addresses. 🔹 Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s okay to walk away. ℹ️ If you have suffered financial loss or had your personal information compromised, please report it by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or by visiting @stopcrimeyyc at crimestoppers.org.

On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, we’re highlighting the important work that our officers with @ALERT_AB do to support survivors of human trafficking. Our Safety Network Coordinators (SNCs) connect with individuals who are being sexually exploited & provide them with the support and resources needed to exit exploitation. We continue to expand our efforts to combat exploitation & human trafficking & recently added another SNC to work specifically with Indigenous communities. In addition to survivor outreach, we also strategically target human traffickers through investigations & enforcement. Learn more about human trafficking in Calgary, how to recognize the red flags & what police are doing to combat it: alert-ab.ca/public-knowledge…