Court Order Bans Offenders, Closes Garage for 90 Days to Restore Community Safety

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Alberta Sheriffs, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), have successfully obtained a community safety order to curb criminal activity at a residence in Medicine Hat. The court order, granted under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act, includes strict measures to remove those responsible for the ongoing drug and criminal activity at 48 Cameron Way.

Alberta Sheriffs and Medicine Hat Police shut down a problem property under SCAN law, banning offenders and closing a garage linked to drug activity

The Court of King’s Bench order prohibits certain individuals from residing on the property for two years and mandates the closure of the detached garage—a known hub of illegal activity—for 90 days, starting at 10 a.m. on February 20, 2025.

The garage will be boarded up, fenced off, and have all locks changed. Meanwhile, tenancy agreements and leases associated with the residence are terminated effective the same date, requiring all tenants and occupants (except the owner) to vacate.

SCAN officers will continue monitoring the location while their investigation remains active. The community safety order remains in effect until May 21, 2027.

Government and Law Enforcement Applaud Joint Efforts

Officials from both the provincial government and law enforcement agencies praised the swift action taken to address the concerns of Medicine Hat residents.

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance approach to crime:

“The combined efforts of the Alberta Sheriffs and the Medicine Hat Police Service in this case are a great example of how working together can put a stop to criminal activity that endangers law-abiding Albertans. I want to thank SCAN and the Medicine Hat Police Service for their tireless efforts to help residents reclaim their community. Let this closure be a message to all drug dealers in the province. You are not welcome here. Full stop. I urge all Albertans to continue reporting suspicious activity in their area.”

Michael Dirkson, inspector with SCAN, highlighted the impact of collaboration:

“Collaborating with local partners like the Medicine Hat Police Service is driving positive impact on communities throughout southern Alberta. All SCAN units across the province are committed to tackling crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.”

MHPS Chief Al Murphy reinforced the importance of community safety, especially given the property’s proximity to schools and a daycare:

“The Medicine Hat Police Service appreciates the invaluable assistance of the southern Alberta SCAN unit in addressing the persistent concerns surrounding this problem property. In addition to being a significant pressure on MHPS resources due to crime, social disorder and anti-social behavior, the location is in the vicinity of two schools and a daycare. Together, we have taken significant action towards fostering a safer community.”

The Role of SCAN in Crime Prevention

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act, which became law in Alberta in 2008, grants law enforcement the authority to hold property owners accountable for criminal activities occurring on their premises. SCAN investigations aim to reduce illegal drug use, gang activity, and organized crime by securing court orders or working directly with property owners to eliminate the problems.

Since its inception, SCAN has investigated over 10,000 properties and issued 130 community safety orders. The majority of complaints are resolved without formal court action, as many owners cooperate in stopping the illegal activity.

The Investigation into 48 Cameron Way

The property had been under scrutiny since April 23, 2023, following 18 complaints related to drug and criminal activity, including:

• Heavy bike and foot traffic indicative of drug transactions.
• Drug paraphernalia scattered around the property.
• Frequent police presence, with the majority of incidents linked to the detached garage.

On May 18, 2023, SCAN officers issued a warning letter to the property owner. Despite this, by October 2024, investigators observed multiple instances of drug activity occurring at or originating from the residence.

With the court order now in place, Alberta Sheriffs and local law enforcement will continue monitoring the property to ensure compliance and deter future criminal activity.