The three day conference began on Monday, September 23, 2024 and was organized by Sgt. Ryan Darroch of the Downtown Policing Unit. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge hosting Social Disorder and Urban Crime Conference

Sep 24, 2024 | 2:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A first-of-its-kind conference about issues like social disorder is taking place in Lethbridge.

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is hosting representatives from over 100 agencies from Alberta and other provinces at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge for the first ever Social Disorder and Urban Crime Conference. Those agencies include other police agencies, but also emergency services, Alberta Health Services and bylaw officers, among others.

According to LPS, the conference is aiming to foster collaboration with the other agencies and share best practices, promote partnerships, facilitate meaningful intervention strategies and develop sustainable solutions to reduce the harm caused by addictions, mental health issues, poverty, crime and social disorder.

The three day conference began on Monday, September 23, 2024 and was organized by Sgt. Ryan Darroch of the Downtown Policing Unit, who says its very important to hear from multiple agencies on how to solve problems.

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Mike Ellis, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, opened up the first day of the conference, followed by presentations from City of Lethbridge Community Social Development, the Calgary Police Service and medical and legal professionals.

One of the topics heavily spoken about over the three days is opioid use and the problems that are caused by it. Alberta Health Services had a presentation on Tuesday regarding Substance Abuse Surveillance Data on Overdose Rates.

Darroch added that he was inspired to put together the conference because of the problems he has seen in the community during his many years as a uniformed officer on the streets.

A full conference agenda can be found here.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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