PROPERTIES USED FOR ILLEGAL ACTIVITY CAN BE SHUT DOWN

Neighborhoods safer with new legislation that gets tough on properties
that house gangs, drugs and prostitution

Albertans now have a new tool to combat illegal activities associated
with gangs, drugs and prostitution in their neighborhoods. The Safer
Communities and Neighborhoods (SCAN) Act, which comes into force
October 1, creates a new sheriffs' unit to investigate public
complaints about properties used for illegal activities and, if
necessary, close those properties for up to 90 days.

SCAN responds to a recommendation from the Crime Reduction and Safe
Communities Task Force Report to adopt the act and make communities
safer.

Modeled after similar civil legislation in Saskatchewan, the act
enables the SCAN investigative unit to mediate, investigate or apply
to the courts for a Community Safety Order that requires individuals
to vacate and/or close the property. Any criminal activity uncovered
when dealing with these properties will be turned over to the police
to investigate.

For the first year, two SCAN teams will serve the province with a
northern team based in Edmonton and a southern one based in Calgary.
In subsequent years regional offices may be set up in smaller centres
throughout the province.

Landlords or neighbors who are concerned tenants or residents may be
using property for illegal activities that negatively affect the
health, safety and security of a neighborhood or community can report
a problem property by phoning the SCAN unit's toll-free number at
1-866-960-SCAN (1-866-960-7226). An online complaint can also be filed
at www.scan.alberta.ca.