CPS Victim Assistance Support Team

The @CalgaryPolice Service Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) promotes and advocates the rights of victims of crime and trauma in #yyc.

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

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: https://t.co/fkO1DLyrnq

[CPS Victim Assistance Support Team @CPSVAST]

Happy Easter to all who celebrate from two of the cutest pups around (and from their two-legged colleagues too)! 🐰🦴

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

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

[CPS Victim Assistance Support Team @CPSVAST]

Melon and Tetris have been busy so haven't seen one another for several days. They are so happy to be back together this morning in the office!

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

🚗 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: https://t.co/piUFFDwPe0

[CPS Victim Assistance Support Team @CPSVAST]

Our team had the privilege of learning at an Indigenous Allyship Professional Development Workshop @confluence_yyc last week. Big thank you to Elder Peter and Knowledge Keeper Paula for sharing their stories and wisdom with us.

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

🐕‍🦺 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 https://t.co/ygnXHbllix…

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

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: https://t.co/KCO6HwgPuT

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

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 https://t.co/20EX2vCMFA.

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

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 https://t.co/20EX2vCMFA.

[Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (Office) @OFOVC]

Fraud can have serious financial and emotional impacts on victims. Know the signs, protect your information, and report suspicious activity. Learn more about supports available to victims: https://t.co/AzxETqC5q9

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

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: https://t.co/rBhT9piQP0

[CPS Victim Assistance Support Team @CPSVAST]

Cali girl, thank you for your incredible service. We loved working with you and are going to miss you so much. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

After almost 8 years of service, Victim Assistance Support Team (@CPSVAST) Accredited Facility Dog Calibri (Cali) is retiring.

Cali joined VAST in 2018 after 2 years of training & certification through PADS. She has brought comfort & calm to victims, families, witnesses & CPS members during some of their hardest moments. Together with her handler, she has positively impacted countless Calgarians during her time with the CPS.

💕 Thank you, Cali, for your compassion, dedication & the support you’ve given to our community & to the Calgary Police Service. Enjoy your well-earned retirement. 👏

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

After almost 8 years of service, Victim Assistance Support Team (@CPSVAST) Accredited Facility Dog Calibri (Cali) is retiring.

Cali joined VAST in 2018 after 2 years of training & certification through PADS. She has brought comfort & calm to victims, families, witnesses & CPS members during some of their hardest moments. Together with her handler, she has positively impacted countless Calgarians during her time with the CPS.

💕 Thank you, Cali, for your compassion, dedication & the support you’ve given to our community & to the Calgary Police Service. Enjoy your well-earned retirement. 👏

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

Today we celebrate the arrival of Lunar New Year & welcome the vibrant Year of the Fire Horse. 🔥🐴

🎉 This season is a meaningful time for family, tradition & fresh beginnings. We are honoured to be included in celebrations across Calgary & extend our warmest wishes for prosperity, good health & joy to everyone observing. Gong Xi Fa Cai! 🏮

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

☪️ Ramadan Mubarak! ☪️

With Ramadan beginning this evening, we wish a peaceful & blessed month to all who are observing Ramadan.

#Ramadan #RamadanMubarak

[Kids Help Phone @KidsHelpPhone]

If you or someone you know has been affected by the events in #TumblerRidge, BC, Kids Help Phone is here to offer non-judgmental support 24/7. To learn about coping with tragedy and ways to get support, you can visit https://t.co/TNOUeFcYKk

[Chief Katie McLellan @CPS_Chief]

Our thoughts are with the victims, families & all those affected by yesterday’s tragic events in B.C. In moments of profound loss, we are reminded of the strength that comes from supporting one another as a community.

We also extend our deepest appreciation to the first responders who acted with courage, professionalism & unwavering commitment during an unimaginable situation. Their dedication continues to protect & uplift us all.

CPS stands with Tumbler Ridge as they navigate this difficult time.

[Calgary Police @CalgaryPolice]

We’re a few days late to the paw-ty, but Melon isn’t bothered, he’s been too busy offering love & support to the community. Happy fourth birthday Melon! 🎁🎂

As an Accredited Facility Dog, Melon works with the Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) to support community members during some of their most difficult moments. Whether he’s easing anxiety in court or simply giving someone a reason to smile, Melon’s presence makes a real difference.

☎ 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 https://t.co/SQazjo9sxP

@CPSVAST

[Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (Office) @OFOVC]

The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, came into force on July 23, 2015. Providing the following rights to victims of crime:
Right to information
Right to protection
Right to participation
Right to seek restitution
Read our report on its progress: https://t.co/PIqoxxw5ES #CVBR10