City council approved a $15.2 million investment to fund a joint dispatch centre in Chinatown, with some hoping the province would help pick up the tab.
Edmonton Police Service plans to expand a program that is trying to reduce social disorder and crime by referring marginalized people to social services.
This year, teams of peace officers, police and housing and social agency workers will aim to close camps within a week or two if they re deemed high risk.
Smyth said high risk level would include areas near playgrounds and schools, near buildings or in areas where there s a significant risk of fire. High-risk encampments can threaten the safety of individuals and the surrounding community and can in some situations include criminal activity and violence, Smyth said.
Camps deemed to be low risk to occupants, the public and the surrounding environment, would get a housing focused response, with outreach workers trying to help people find places to stay.