--- title: "Report a Drug House: Keeping Drug Dealers on the Run" type: "pdf" year: "2006" canonical: "/projects/399" --- ![img-0.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/06-09/img-0.jpeg) # Report a Drug House Keeping Drug Dealers on the Run: A Quality of Life Initiative # Table of Contents - [Report a Drug House Keeping Drug Dealers on the Run: A Quality of Life Initiative](#report-a-drug-house-keeping-drug-dealers-on-the-run-a-quality-of-life-initiative) - [Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing 2006](#herman-goldstein-award-for-excellence-in-problem-oriented-policing-2006) - [REPORT A DRUG HOUSE](#report-a-drug-house) - [Keeping Drug Dealers on the Run: A Quality of Life Initiative](#keeping-drug-dealers-on-the-run-a-quality-of-life-initiative) - [HISTORY:](#history) - [SCAN:](#scan) - [ANALYSIS:](#analysis) - [RESPONSE:](#response) - [PARTNERSHIPS:](#partnerships) - [The Community:](#the-community) - [Landlords:](#landlords) - [Inner Agency (Edmonton Police Service personnel):](#inner-agency-edmonton-police-service-personnel) - [Municipal Agencies:](#municipal-agencies) - [Provincial Agencies:](#provincial-agencies) - [ASSESSMENT:](#assessment) - [AGENCY AND OTHER INFORMATION:](#agency-and-other-information) - [Contact Officers:](#contact-officers) - [APPENDICES77](#appendices77) - [what to look for in your community](#what-to-look-for-in-your-community) - [SCRIPT LANDLORD DISCLOSURE DRUG HOUSES](#script-landlord-disclosure-drug-houses) - [RESIDENTIAL TENANCY ADDENDUM AGREEMENT](#residential-tenancy-addendum-agreement) - [TO: Goldstein Award Selection Committee RE: Constable Maurice Brodeur](#to-goldstein-award-selection-committee-re-constable-maurice-brodeur) - [To: Goldstein Award Selection Committee RE: Constable \#1848 Maurice Brodeur](#to-goldstein-award-selection-committee-re-constable-1848-maurice-brodeur) - [Thank you](#thank-you) - [\#44-1904-48 St](#44-1904-48-st) ## Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing 2006 Submission by: Edmonton Police Service South DivisionEdmonton, Alberta CanadaContact: Constable Maurice Brodeur Community ProgramsSouth Division, \#104 Youville Dr. EastEdmonton, Alberta T6L-7H6 PH: (780)426-8247 Fax: (780)426-8211 Email: Maurice.brodeur@police.edmonton.ab.ca # REPORT A DRUG HOUSE ## Keeping Drug Dealers on the Run: A Quality of Life Initiative Edmonton Police Service, South Division 2006 THE PROBLEM: In South Division in the city of Edmonton, drug houses were setting up operations in usually quiet residential neighborhoods. An increase in vehicle and foot traffic by drug addicts and street people was causing alarm and distress to residents and schools. ANALYSIS: Police recognized that drug addicts were involved with a significant amount of property crime within South Division. Often these addicts were using various residences as staging areas for property crime or places to receive drugs in exchange for stolen property. Further investigation determined that many of these drug houses were appearing in normally quiet residential areas and that it was reducing the quality of life for neighbors of these houses. An apprehension strategy would require a significant amount of resources and still not improve the quality of life for the residents of the afflicted neighborhoods. To resolve this quality of life issue, and to apply an economy of effort to the problem, the drug houses were targeted as a nexus or focal point from which it was possible to disrupt the activities of drug addicted criminals. RESPONSE: The "Report a Drug House" initiative was formed to enhance the quality of life for residents in these neighborhoods by eliminating these drug houses through evictions or making them inactive. This was done in a non-conventional manner and with partnerships formed with many inner and outer agencies. ASSESSMENT: From September 2005 to June 2006, 186 houses have been investigated with a rate of $80 \%$ having drug issues. 162 houses have been either concluded or made inactive. An $88 \%$ clearance rate. Residents are very satisfied with the Service. # HISTORY: South Division makes up the largest policing Division in Edmonton with 50\% of the geographic area and about $40 \%$ of the population (290,000 people). South Division is a beautiful part of the city and is the home of most of the cultural festivals that take place in "Festival City". The famous Whyte Avenue with its shops, restaurants and night clubs is also central to South Division. For obvious reasons, many middle class and upper class residential areas exist in this Division. Currently, Edmonton is part of the hottest economy in North America, fuelled by the province's oil riches. Thousands of people are moving to the province and there has been a skyrocketing increase in drug usage; crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine being the hard drugs of choice. To the dismay of residents in South Division, they are seeing drug houses of various levels popping up in their communities. The money to be made by such an endeavor is very attractive and the risks quite low due to the lower police manpower. South Division has a lower police manpower ratio of about 1 officer to 1500 population. The preferred ratio is 1 officer to 500 population as reflected by North American standards. Therefore, calls for service must be prioritized. Quick drug transactions take place with no direct threat to the public, resulting in a lower priority. Police were unable to respond in a timely manner to catch the perpetrators. Complainants were sent to Community Stations to file a report. The reports were then sent to Drug Unit. The Drug Unit tends to focus on big drug issues and would file these reports for information. No perceivable action was taken and the drug dealing continued, with the neighbors living in fear and frustration. Apathy set in with the Police Service and neighbors simply quit reporting these matters. Many people moved away and this was seen as a failure by the police in this initiative. In September 2005, the Report a Drug House initiative was established by Community Liaison Officer (C.L.O), Constable Maurice Brodeur and Community Program Officer; Constable Dave Woudstra. A quality of life problem was before the Service and a problem-oriented policing approach was needed. # SCAN: While working on a target hardening initiative in which police and students went door to door in crime hot spot areas expounding C.P.T.E.D. principles, it was learned that many other drug houses were scattered throughout neighborhoods in South Division. What was disheartening is that many of these alleged addresses were in neighborhoods that were not synonymous with the thought of "drug house". Many of these drug houses were able to operate unchecked. When a concerned neighbor telephoned about drug activity in his neighborhood, he would be told that it wasn't a priority call and that the patrol officers would attend once they became available. In South Division, we were operating in a triage manner with calls for service; this problem was not being dealt with. The Community then does not call Police in the future and live in fear and disgust next to these Drug houses. Common statements from these people were, "I called police and they just send me to the Station and I hear nothing else about it"; "Why should I call you? It takes hours for police to come and nothing is done." Though there is no fault to be laid on any particular area of the Police Service, we have failed the concerned citizen and lost their faith and trust. What we often find is an apathetic public that is living in fear and frustration behind closed doors, unable to enjoy the benefits of their own property. There is a fear, real or imagined, of being outside with their children and having the residuals of a bad drug deal come their way. The community sees drug addicts wandering their neighborhood in an erratic manner and fear confrontation from a paranoid and delusional person. Not having a perceived relationship with the police they feel isolated and powerless to do anything about the problem. Feeling empathy for the neighbors living next to such a house, the officers decided that they wanted to know about all drug addresses within South Division. Thus, the Report a Drug House initiative was conceived. # ANALYSIS: The Report a Drug House initiative began with the recognition that drug addicts were involved with a significant amount of property crime within South Division. Often these addicts were using various residences as staging areas for property crime or places to receive drugs in exchange for stolen property. Further investigation determined that many of these residences were appearing in normally quiet residential areas and that it was reducing the quality of life for neighbors of these houses. An apprehension strategy would require a significant amount of resources and still not improve the quality of life for the residents of the afflicted neighborhoods. To resolve this quality of life issue, and to apply an economy of effort to the problem, the drug houses were targeted as a nexus or focal point from which it was possible to disrupt the activities of drug addicted criminals. Therefore, an analysis in a quantitative manner would not reflect the magnitude of this problem. A case in point was the Belgravia Community where one of the Constables resides. During a community meeting the Constable attended, he became aware of many thefts of property in this area. The Constable returned to duty and checked the statistics for this area; only 6 incidents were reported. The Constable then informed the residents to report to police all incidents of crime in this area. Within two weeks, 72 incidents were reported; the majority being theft from vehicles and break-ins to garages, from which thefts of bicycles and recyclables were committed. Many drug addicts were in the area and the community reported them to police. One notorious drug house was identified in the area and it was shut down. The incidents were immediately reduced to 16 property crime incidents in May 2005 and only 2 in June 2005. Even with the increase in reporting incidents to police, property crime numbers are still down at this time. Another set of drug houses consisted of 3 methamphetamine houses right next to each other owned by the same drug addict. Due to the poor shape of the houses they were condemned very quickly. These houses were boarded up and within 3 weeks a $35 \%$ drop of all crime in the area was observed. ![img-1.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/06-09/img-1.jpeg) The history of the increase in drug addicts started about 3 years ago with the rapid increase in the availability of the drug methamphetamine in Western Canada. With the existing crack cocaine problem also present, crime increased dramatically and drug houses started popping up in communities that were not traditional, poor, socio- economic areas. Many of these neighborhoods were in transition amongst beautiful, wide, treed avenues and streets. Due to the low vacancy rate in this heated economy, houses in various areas are snapped up when available, even by drug dealers. # RESPONSE: Based on community information and the increase in property crime attributed to the drug trade, an action plan was formulated. The goal was to either make these drug addresses inactive or to remove the drug dealers from the homes. We would make the communities safe and peaceful. In September of 2005, 5000 Report a Drug House pamphlets, entitled "creating a safer community for all", were disseminated in public places. This pamphlet detailed signs of suspicious activity that could be related to drug dealing. (Appendix A) The local, weekly community paper, the Edmonton Examiner, did an article on this new initiative. This paper is delivered free to all homes in the City. A further article was also done with the daily Edmonton Sun. A contact number with a dedicated voice mail line were provided. In addition to this, all police members and volunteers in South Division were given pamphlets and instructed to inform the public of the new initiative. This would keep all alleged drug house data centralized. Callers were informed to provide their name, phone number and the problem address with a brief description of the suspicious activity. This contact information was required in order to try and reduce the number of prank calls and false, vindictive allegations. In the first week, reports of 48 alleged drug houses were received. From September 2005 to June 2006, 186 addresses have been reported for alleged drug activity. Many complainants reported that some of these addresses had been operating for months and some for years. License plates of dealers and users were forwarded on the voicemail line. These plates combined with internal police on address information led to many intelligence reports on the owners of the vehicles and the addresses. At this time, this initiative submits the largest number of Intelligence Reports in the city. From our initial data, it appeared that the first reported group of drug houses showed a 90\% likelihood of being a drug address of some type. This was determined by searching the Service's internal and external database on the people living in the alleged drug houses and from the registered owners of vehicles attending. Most of them had police records for crimes including drug charges and convictions. From the initial blush of information received, it was decided that all houses that dealt in drugs would be acted on. We were dealing mostly with small drug houses. However, no one wanted the increased traffic and disorder that existed in their neighborhood due to drug activity. These residents did not feel safe and in many cases would not let their children play outside. Some of these addresses were the focus of typical law enforcement action (search warrants, arrests, etc.) in the past. The drug dealers simply set up operations again, albeit wiser to typical policing methods. These dealers remained in the neighborhood. Very few people did any jail time, much to the dismay and frustration of the residents. It was now time for action. Typical law enforcement would be done when illegal activity was observed by the police; however this was not the focus. A non-conventional style of policing would be used to solve the problem. Decisions would be made reflecting the complexities and the differences of each property investigated by police. Once work started on the action plan of these addresses a definition for a drug house was arrived at for this quality of life initiative: Any residence with drug activity that attracts the attention of the community and negatively impacts their quality of life. It was quickly learned that these drug houses fell into three levels of activity and invasiveness to the community: 1. Low-level house: A house that deals in small quantities of soft drugs and/or is a party house where drugs are consumed and disorder is a concern. 2. Mid-level house: A house like this may deal with small quantities of various types of drugs. A lot of foot and vehicle traffic would be observed coming and going from this house. The addicts do not spend time around the address and leave quickly. 3. High-level house: This type of house would fall into the realm of fortified drug house and/or drug laboratory. Many serious drug addicts/criminals will then stay close to their supply and do crimes in the area to pay for their addiction. These houses are very invasive for the surrounding community. In regards to documenting these houses, it was decided to label them as "Active, Inactive and Concluded". Active houses are currently on the list and being investigated. Concluded houses are either legitimate drug houses that were closed by a variety of means, some voluntary and others by attending Civil Court; or simply an address that was falsely reported. Inactive houses are made up of low-level addresses that simply ceased to continue the drug activity after being visited by police. Of these 186 houses, about $80 \%$ had drugs in some form or another that fit the noted drug house definitions and three levels of classification. Non-conventional policing would take the form of a very direct approach with drug houses and their clients. This could be from talking directly to the dealers and that the goal of the police is to remove them from the house. Once a confirmed drug house is identified, then a letter to the neighbors would go out requesting any information of suspicious activity coming from the house. (Appendix B) With license plates of "clients" received from the neighbors, police can call the registered owners and ask them what they are doing at a house of interest to police; thereby reducing return visits. With only one active officer working these drug addresses, the Constable quickly rallied the communities and built a connection and partnership with several agencies that have an interest in such houses. # PARTNERSHIPS: ## The Community: The core element that makes this initiative successful is a close working relationship with the affected population living in the area of a drug house and the Police. Anonymity is promised and trust is gained. The Community then becomes the eyes and ears for any drug activity and they are made to be part of the solution. ## Landlords: Once a rental property is identified as a drug house, then the landlord is contacted. In forming a working relationship with the landlord, there is some legality involved in what information can be released to him in seeking his assistance. Therefore a script was formed with the assistance from the Service's legal advisors. (Appendix C) Once a landlord is cooperative and accepts police assistance, the Constable can then begin the eviction process. This process may end up in Civil Court if the tenant/drug dealer is particularly recalcitrant. The Constable testifies in court as to why the police are interested in removing the tenant. The Constable also ensures that the tenant/drug dealer follows through with the Order and leaves the property. A "Residential Tenancy Addendum Agreement" was drafted to assist the landlord with any future tenants. (Appendix D) This agreement states that they are signing a document that the tenants promise not to engage in any criminal activity on or in relation to the property. # Inner Agency (Edmonton Police Service personnel): It is important to share all intelligence with the Service. This is done by sending out timely and detailed Intelligence Reports that are shared Service and province-wide. This is done by talking with Drug Unit Detectives, Divisional Detectives, Derelict Housing Constable, Patrol Sergeants and Constables, Divisional Intelligence Analysts, Corporate Communications (Media Relations) and essentially anyone with a possible stakeholder's interest in the crime in the area. This has turned out to be the lynchpin in this initiative as all these police men and women have bought into this project. On a daily basis we are sharing information and knowledge about these houses. Recently, many Patrol members have stepped forward when a request was made for volunteers to "adopt a drug house". Due to a large glut of alleged drug houses, this was done to deny or confirm the allegation. Currently, one Constable has mostly run this initiative by himself and has cleared 162 houses from the drug house list. There are still 24 houses that are being investigated, albeit quite minor in nature. It should be noted that all potential marijuana grow-ops are sent to the EPS/RCMP Green Team for their investigation. All of these reports are monitored and documented by the initiative. # Municipal Agencies: These are agencies such as Bylaw (Development Compliance), Safer Housing, Edmonton Fire Department, and the Dog Bylaw Services. These agencies are quite powerful in enforcing compliance with any infractions due to zoning, messy yards and dog issues. ## Provincial Agencies: Such agencies are Capital Health (Health inspectors), Social Services, Child Welfare and Crown Prosecutors (Child Welfare matters). Police have had great success in having several drug houses condemned through Capital Health Inspectors. Officers have testified for Social Services, Child Welfare and the courts on behalf of Child Welfare on issues of children in the care of drug dealers. Officers have also held several Community meetings to educate the public on the dangers of drugs and how to identify them and if a family member is using. Guest speakers included a recovering meth addict and two ex-gang members. ## ASSESSMENT: Out of a reported 186 addresses from 2005 September to 2006 June 26, 162 addresses were cleared, 111 houses were concluded and 51 addresses were made inactive - an $88 \%$ clearance rate. Out of the reported drug houses, about $80 \%$ had drugs in some form or other that fit the three drug house classifications mentioned previously. Though most of this data is in regards to the quality of life of individuals living next to drug houses, South Division break and enters dropped substantially in the first quarter of 2006 when compared with the first quarter of 2004 and the huge spike in the first quarter of 2005. This initiative started on Sept. 2005. Crime analysts state that a prime indicator of drug addict presence in an area is a substantial increase in break and enters and theft from autos. South Division has a substantial drop in these crimes that correlate with the inception of the Report a Drug House initiative. ![img-2.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/06-09/img-2.jpeg) With the constant vigilance of the residents around these addresses, police are made aware of any changes in the status of these houses. Two houses from the inactive list did become active again. The community promptly informed the officer running the initiative and this time one was evicted and the other house (owned by a single mother) had her children removed and is very quiet now in an attempt to get her kids back. Two other evicted (concluded) drug dealers started to set up in another area of South Division. These drug dealers were identified quickly through the initiative. Knowing how the initiative worked, they left of their own accord when an officer visited. Originally, about 75\% of all reports came through the Report a Drug House line. At this time, reports are at about a $50 \%$ split between the line and the Patrol members. This initiative has assisted Patrol members immensely and freed them up to act on calls for service. It should be noted that the Drug Unit is also aware of the success of this program and pass all Crimestopper Tips of drug addresses to the initiative's attention for investigation. As noted earlier, only two people of previously closed, high level houses moved to another South Division address and started dealing in drugs again. It should be noted that they were of a minor stature and closed very quickly once the officer visited again. Many of these people have simply left the Division. This was apparent by phone calls from other Divisions and police agencies around Edmonton wondering why south side drug people were in their area. Though there is a concern about displacement, other areas are made fully aware of the intelligence that is gathered by this initiative on these people. Officers with the initiative have kept an eye on some of the higher profile people that have left the area and they have not become involved in the drug business to the same level as prior, and most have left the city. Since the Chief's Committee of the Edmonton Police Service has chosen this initiative for submission to the Herman Goldstein Award, signs of city-wide implementation are present. Other Divisions are looking at this program and various implementations are just starting within the other Divisions. As for displacement to outlying municipalities, the two founding officers with the initiative have presented at the Municipal Drug Strategies Conference in Nisku, Alberta in February 2006. Several communities have asked for assistance and information in developing an initiative such as Report a Drug House. In the third week of September 2006, the two officers are attending Wetaskiwin, Alberta at the request of the City to present the methods of the Report a Drug House initiative for adoption by the local Drug Task Force. Implementing the response plan is a work in progress. Currently, this initiative is still developing with a case in point being the recent Provincial Dispute Resolution process for landlord and tenant disputes. This is a much quicker and easier way of dealing with these issues. The speed and effectiveness of this initiative are simply staggering. When a close relationship is formed with the community in solving problems, the sky is the limit. The letters of appreciation that have come forward for officers' efforts from grateful neighbours have been continual. A common comment from the relieved residences, after the removal of a drug dealer, is "it's so quiet again." Many people again feel safe in letting their kids play on the street. In September of 2006, a customer survey will go forward to all recipients of the initiative's efforts. The results should be of a very high customer satisfaction rating. Informally, via conversations in the community, the customer satisfaction rating is very high. A sample of the community's response is represented by the six letters submitted by affected neighbors that this Initiative assisted. (Appendix E) If selected to present in Wisconsin, these ratings will be ready at that time. During this same time period, another media blitz will be conducted searching for any drug addresses that may have slipped the grasp of the Report a Drug House initiative. This time, print media and television will be used. It is the goal of this initiative to create safer communities and the passion is not waning from the officers involved in this endeavor. There was no funding outside of South Division for this initiative. Outside of the cost of printing the 5000 Report a Drug House pamphlets, the costs were minimal. Even the officers involved did not do this initiative solely; therefore their salary could not be attributed directly to the cost involved. The community was the driving force providing all of the information and this was free. However, the renewed faith between the community and Police Service is priceless. The attraction of this initiative is that it is very inexpensive and comes with a high success rate. The initiative can be used anywhere with some fine tweaking directed towards the needs of the municipality. # AGENCY AND OTHER INFORMATION: The Edmonton Police Service has an international reputation for community policing. The Service has recognized that with a Capital Region of one million people that is rapidly growing in size and population, community policing is needed to supplement the policing manpower issues that face it today. The Report a Drug House initiative was developed by two South Division Constables (Cst. Maurice Brodeur and Cst. David Woudstra) and fully supported by the Divisional Commander (Superintendent Mark Logar). Cst. Brodeur is the Community Liaison Officer in South Division, a new position that started in January 2005. His role was to problem solve issues that came up and to do so in a timely manner. Cst. Brodeur has been a police officer for 20 years with the majority of his time spent in Patrol Services. Cst. Woudstra is the Community Programs Officer in South Division. He has been in this position for four years and much of his work is with youth and the community. A big part of what he does is educating the public on drugs and bullying. He has an intellectual mind that was very useful in the developing of this Initiative. He has 20 years of policing service, again mostly in Patrol Services. Superintendent Logar is currently the Commander of South Division; a very innovative man with extraordinary leadership skills, he thinks outside the box.. Supt. Logar was instrumental to this initiative with his wholehearted support and legal mind. He has been an officer for 25 years, with many years as the Service's Legal Adviser. ## Contact Officers: Constable Maurice Brodeur 104 Youville Drive East Edmonton, AB., Canada T6L-7H6 Ph: 780-426-8247 Fax: 780-426-8211 maurice.brodeur@police.edmonton.ab.ca Constable David Woudstra 104 Youville Drive East Edmonton, AB., Canada T6L-7H6 Ph: 780-426-8253 Fax: 780-426-8211 david.woudstra@police.edmonton.ab.ca # APPENDICES77 Appendix A: Drug House Pamphlet 'creating a safer community for all' Appendix B: Letter to Neighbors of Drug Houses Appendix C: Script for Speaking with Landlords Appendix D: Residential Tenancy Addendum Agreement Appendix E: Letters of Appreciation from the Community ![img-3.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/06-09/img-3.jpeg) The Edmonton Police Service South Division has launched a new program to combat the increasing number of drug-related crimes committed in south side neighbourhoods. This program enables residents to easily report neglected homes in their area that may be responsible for fostering criminal behaviour. Call 426-8229 and describe the address of the residence, your neighbourhood, the activity surrounding the premises and what you suspect is occuring. Leave your name and number so police can contact you. All information received will remain confidential. The address will be checked by a police officer. ## what to look for in your community - Increase in traffic - vehicles and people coming and going at unusual times - Unusual strong odours - Decline in the appearance of the home's exterior and landscaping - Residences with blacked out windows - Unusual amounts of garbage - Residents who set their garbage in neighbouring collection areas - Unfriendly residents who appear secretive about their activities - Residents who do not appear to regularly attend/leave for work but drive expensive vehicles To Whom It May Concern; I am a Constable with South Division and submit this letter to you and the surrounding neighbours in regards to a possible Drug House in your area. I have started the "Report a Drug House" initiative in the Southside and have had a lot of success in terminating the operation of such houses. The success of this initiative is made possible through the assistance and support of the community. This initiative could not be successful without your help and I feel this is a great relationship between the Edmonton Police Service and Community. Therefore, I am asking for anonymous information about the activities in your neighbourhood commonly associated to drug houses. Signs of drug house activity can be some or all of the following; -increase in vehicle and people traffic at all times of the day -unusual strong odours -decline in the appearance of the home's exterior and landscaping -residences with blackened windows -unusual amounts of garbage -unfriendly residents who appear secretive about their activities; and -residents who drive expensive vehicles but do not appear to work Please send any information about activity to my voicemail or e-mail address listed below. Particularly useful is information pertaining to license plates, vehicle descriptions, people descriptions and the time and date of visits. Cst. Maurice Brodeur \#1848 South Division 426-8247 maurice.brodeur@police.edmonton.ab.ca # SCRIPT LANDLORD DISCLOSURE DRUG HOUSES Good Day, I am Cst. BRODEUR of the South Division, Report a Drug House Initiative, are you the owner of (House)? I have received anonymous information in regards to criminal activity at this address. What can you tell me about this? I'm sorry sir, due to privacy concerns I cannot divulge personal information in regards to the tenants in this house, however, I am involved in an ongoing investigation pertaining to this address. As a Landlord I believe you should know what is happening at your house; - there is a lot of vehicle traffic, short visits in nature where someone from your house comes out to the vehicle quickly and delivers a package of some kind. - there is a venting system coming from the house - I have received reports of strange odours coming from the house - horrible condition of the house and yard, lots of garbage - windows are blacked out Police have attended this address before, though I cannot divulge this information to you, under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you can write to the Correspondence Unit at Police Headquarters and request our files pertaining to your address. Again, is there anything you can tell me about this? Have a good day and please call me if you need any assistance. (phones and e-mail address) ![img-4.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/06-09/img-4.jpeg) # RESIDENTIAL TENANCY ADDENDUM AGREEMENT In consideration of the execution or renewal of a Residential Tenancy Agreement for the property identified in the Residential Tenancy Agreement, landlord and tenant agree as follows: Resident(s), any member of the resident(s) household, and any persons affiliated with the resident or invited onto the residential property or residential premise by the resident (s) or any member of the resident's family, shall not engage in any criminal activity on the premises or property including, but not limited to: (a) any drug related criminal activity; (b) solicitation (sex trade workers and related nuisance activity); (c) street gang activity; (d) assault(s) or threatened assault(s); (e) unlawful use of a firearm; or (f) any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or welfare of the landlord, other residents, or persons on the residential property or residential premises. Violation of the above provisions, which is a reasonable and material term of the tenancy agreement, or any of the subsections under Sections 21 or 30 of the Residential Tenancies Act, shall be good cause for a notice to end a tenancy. A single violation of any of the provisions of this addendum shall be deemed a serious violation and material non-compliance with the Residential Tenancy Agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act. It is understood and agreed that a single violation shall be good cause for a notice to end a residential tenancy agreement. Unless otherwise provided by law, proof of violation shall not require criminal conviction, but shall be predominant of the evidence. In case of conflict between the provisions of this addendum and any other provisions of the Residential Tenancy Agreement, the provisions of this addendum shall govern. Should incidents occur on or in relation to the property or premises identified in the Residential Tenancy Agreement resulting in police involvement, I agree to allow the investigating police service to release relevant information respecting this incident to the management of the property or premises for their use in determining whether a breach of this agreement has occurred. Also, this addendum shall become my written release authorizing any such release in accordance with Section 40(1)(d) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This Residential Tenancy Addendum Agreement is incorporated into the Residential Tenancy Agreement executed or renewed this day between landlord and tenant. Resident's Name Resident's Signature Landlord's Name Landlord's Signature Date Trish Kryzanowski 8955- 77 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6C OL8 June 16,2006 Dear Committee Members: RE: Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing I am writing this letter in support of Constable Maurice Brodeur and a program entitled "Report a Drug House." I became acquainted with Constable Brodeur as I live next door to a suspected drug house. Through this innovative program my quality of life during and after was enhanced and my confidence in the Edmonton Police Service was raised. In recent years my neighbourhood has seen a rise in the number of rental properties, and especially those properties with houses that are in disrepair which seems to attract drug activity. When an article appeared in my local community newspaper asking for the public's assistance in reporting suspected drug activity, my neighbour and I thought this might be the way to deal with this problem house. Until then another officer has been our contact. When I inquired about this program, this officer willingly passed on my contact information to those named in the article. Within half an hour of doing so, I was contacted by Constable Brodeur. Prior to the article being published the only resource was to call the "complaint line." For the most part I am uncomfortable calling the police and felt "dumb" when an officer would arrive several hours later and the activity had passed. I told myself that the police are very busy, and perhaps I shouldn't bother them as there's the old cliche that the "police have better things to do." There were also many days that I couldn't decide between putting up a higher fence and just living with the situation or moving. I also felt intimated to take action as the occupants wore recognizable logos on the back of their biker jackets. The lights being turned off and on throughout the night and people coming and going kept me awake most nights. Several nights I was also awakened at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. with either the door bell ringing or the pounding on my front door looking for someone next door. On more than one occasion I had to call a male neighbour to come over. There were also many times when they would park their vehicles on my driveway so I was unable to get out of my garage. I would leave notes on their windshields advising them that the next time they would be towed. A couple of times I actually phoned the complaint line to get the vehicle tagged but each time the vehicle was gone before the police arrived. I would then phone back to cancel the call, with embarrassment. The police made several visits to this address in response to the numerous complaints. On one occasion there were 5 officers present at the same time. Of course, the many occupants of the basement proceeded to vacate once they realized the police were there. One officer asked me how many people actually lived there. When I responded that I really wasn't sure his response was "I feel sorry for you." In my first communication with Constable Brodeur he asked for details and how he could help. While he did admit that he had received many addresses to investigate from this article, he also offered words of encouragement. I was elated, somebody was willing to listen! During the investigation he helped me understand what kind of information would be useful and emphasized that at no time was I to put myself at risk. I felt I could trust that all information would be handled in a sensitive and confidential manner. When I thought there would be no resolve, he was always willing to pursue another approach or use whatever resources he had at his disposal, including contacting the property manager whom he knew from a previous unrelated matter. Each time I contacted Constable Brodeur he acted promptly and always kept me informed. Finally, after several months, the occupants were removed. Within days I felt a sense of relief and did not have the anxiety of going home and worrying about who would be parked on my driveway or what mess I would have to look at in the yard next door. Gone was the fear of being woken up in the middle of the night. I have worked hard to purchase my own house and finally I could enjoy my own backyard and not feel that I had to hide in my own home. There are a number of reasons that I appreciate this initiative. First, that I was able to contact the same officer and we could continue our "conversation" instead of having to re-explain each time. Second, that I was not alone in having undesirable neighbours. Third, that in my "small way" I was able to help reclaim my neighbourhood from the criminals. Now when I walk around my community it is with my eyes a little more open. The success of this program, for me, will always be linked to Constable Brodeur. In summary, I would specifically like to thank Constable Brodeur for his desire to act quickly, provide continual follow-up, patience, understanding, advice, and especially for his sense of humor. Although it has now been a few months since those occupants left, I recently contacted Constable Brodeur when it seemed like the undesirables appeared to be returning. At no time did he make me feel that I was a "bother." Instead he offered suggestions and the knowledge that I could communicate with him at any time in the future. I was further impressed to hear that when other citizens in my community have had contact with Constable Brodeur they have also expressed the same sense of dedication. This is truly a practical policing approach and, I believe, that the Edmonton Police Service has designed a unique program which empowers the citizens, the community, and the police to work in a partnership that is effective in dealing with problem drug houses. Yours sincerely, Trish Kryzanowski June 20.2006 To: Goldstein Award Selection Committee Re: States for Problem Oriented Policing Dear Committee Members: I would like to bring to your attention the exemplary effort put forth by one member of the Edmonton Police Service, Constable Maurice Brodeur. Reg. \# 1848. Cst. Brodeur runs a program called the "Report a Drug House". and we needed his assistance on a Drug House across the alley from us. Cst. Brodeur did an excellent job in helping my family out in a difficult situation. One of our neighbors was causing a disturbance and we went to Cst. Brodeur for assistance. We feared that the people living in the house were involved with drugs and Cst. Brodeur made every effort to rectify this problem for us, even despite his very busy schedule. In short order he made several arrests and formed a partnership with the Landlord to get rid of these Meth addicts. The dedication he showed in serving the public regarding this matter was truly commendable. Our neighborhood is again a peaceful place for our children to play without the drug addicts and stolen vehicles in the area. We are very appreciative to Cst. Brodeur, as this problem no longer exists because of his dedication. Sincerely, Angela Strynadka # TO: Goldstein Award Selection Committee RE: Constable Maurice Brodeur June 22, 2006 Dear Committee Members, A year ago I began to notice some problem neighbours in a house across the street from me. People were coming and going at all hours on bicycles and usually carrying items with them. One of the tenants even had a pack of dogs (8) running around loose! With all this activity, noise and disruption, I did not even feel comfortable mowing my front lawn with my 5 year old son around! My son was afraid of the dogs and I was uneasy with the scruffy looking visitors, obviously participating in some sort of illegal activity (drug dealing and stealing). One day when I saw 2 young men test riding some very high-end and highly likely stolen bicycles I decided to contact the police. I was hesitant to do so at first, but I decided something had to be done! Wasn't anyone else in the neighbourhood noticing? Or maybe they were afraid to do something? After I made my initial contact with the police about the suspicious activities, I also approached a neighbour about the problem house and asked her if she had noticed anything unusual. This was the best thing I could have done as she notified the police as well and from then on we became vigilant watchers on the block, comparing notes on the activities. Incidents continued to happen and it really wasn't until Constable Maurice Brodeur was assigned that we felt safe. His presence and interest in our neighbourhood problems gave us peace of mind, knowing that he was keeping an eye on the house. We never felt like we were bothering him as he welcomed all kinds of information, encouraging us to write down license plate numbers when safe to do so. He was an active presence, talking to the problem tenants and finding out who the problem people were. This man was like a dream! He got things done! We were amazed at how hard Constable Brodeur worked. We had hope! Things really turned around with his service. I learned later that friends of mine in the Ritchie community also had experienced Constable Brodeur's capabilities as they have three drug houses in a row on their street and with his help they were able to have them condemned. The residents were pleased to have a meeting at their community hall to discuss measures taken to rid their street of illegal activities. I can be right in saying that we never feel as if we are bothering the police with our concerns. Maurice welcomes $\sim$ them and takes action. $\sim$ I hope that Constable Maurice Brodeur continues to monitor our neighbourhoods as he is a benefit to us and to the Edmonton Police Service. I would strongly recommend him for this award. Sincerely, Jo-Anne Farley June23,2006 Edmonton Police Service \#104 Youville Drive East Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6L 7H6 # To: Goldstein Award Selection Committee RE: Constable \#1848 Maurice Brodeur Dear Committee Members: I wanted to make sure you understood the importance of Constable Brodeur and his Community Policing (Report a Drug House) efforts in our neighborhood. We suffered for a number of years from three drug houses in a row across the alley from my residence. I met Constable Brodeur and very quickly found he was not a person to take these kinds of problems lightly. He is a person serious about finding solutions. The problems with these three houses were especially difficult given that the property owner was not cooperative in any way shape or form, but rather was as much a part of the problem as his tenants. Even from my position on the outside of the process it became apparent with Constable Brodeur's involvement the various agencies, the Health Department and Planning Department have become more capable of helping to shut down these houses. In the case of the three drug houses near my residence they were shut down, not once but twice, over the course of the past couple of years. With Cst. Brodeur's assistance the houses have been boarded up by the Health department and declared Derelict it really looks and feels like we will have long term success with these properties. My neighbors and I recognize the Meth addicts are not going to leave the community quickly or easily and when they were pushed out of these three houses they set up shop in another house a couple of blocks away. This house has also just recently been condemned and boarded up by Cst. Brodeur's initiative. It was impressive to see how quickly Constable Brodeur and the Community Policing effort were able to get this recent house shut down as well. We know they will move somewhere else, but I'm sure that the more limited their time can be at anyone address the less damage will be done and sooner or later they will come to understand they are not welcome. The leadership he has shown has helped some of my neighbors "get on board" where previously they felt like no one could or would help. He has shown that the Edmonton Police Service can make a real difference to these kinds of problems. We have not completely eradicated the crime associated with the Meth addicts in the neighborhood, and we still have some dealing going on at the corner of the Elementary School yard. But we can't expect the Police or Constable Brodeur to do it all for us. We have to be partners in finding solutions and with more and more of my neighbors "coming on board" we are really beginning to see the results of these efforts. I wanted to write to make sure you and the police department understand the importance of Constable Brodeur and the Report a Drug House initiative not just to me but to my community as well. It's nice to be able to enjoy my property again. Sincerely " $\sim^{\prime} k \sim$ Gary Zingle 9627-80 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6C-OV2 June 21,2006 To the Herman Goldstein Award Selection Committee Dear Committee Members: This letter is in support of the Edmonton Police Service, South Division, and in particular with respect to Constable Maurice Brodeur, Community Programs Officer, and his role in overseeing the Report a Drug House Program (the "Program"). As residents of the area served by South Division, we have personally experienced the benefits of the Program. We moved to our neighbourhood in 1998. It was a quiet street and the shopping center was used by neighbours interested in buying milk and going for dinner at the local restaurant. Drug deals and drug dealers were not a common sight. Over the years, and particularly in 2002, we noticed unusual behaviour in our neighbourhood. Drug dealer and users moved into the apartment building next door. As a result, the traffic to the apartment and shopping centre (both vehicular and human) increased to almost 24/7, along with noise and disruption. We also noticed property of all sorts being moved in and out of the building in unusual ways, for example, by taxicab late at night. This situation continued, notwithstanding dozens of calls to the police and eventual contact directly with the Detective Darryl Yacey of the drug unit. Detective Yacey made a proactive effort to address the situation, despite a limited mandate. Detective Yacey recommended we contact Constable Brodeur, who had recently been appointed the Community Programs Officer, with respect to the Program. We did. Constable Brodeur responded quickly and, in our view, appropriately. He attended our residence and explained the Program and how it could help our situation with the apartment building next door and other drug houses in the immediate area. Constable Brodeur continued to follow up on complaints or reports of trouble within hours. We have told our neighbours about the Program. We have also informed the restaurant tenant at the shopping center about this opportunity for community support and regular communication with the police through Constable Brodeur. In the past eight months our experience with the Program and the work performed by Constable Brodeur has been nothing but positive. We feel a renewed confidence in the South Division, Edmonton Police Service, their commitment to serve our neighbourhood and their ability to prevent drug activity and related crimes. We look forward to a continued proactive approach and hope that the Program will be implemented in all police divisions in the City of Edmonton. Rick Stephen and Joanne Rimmer 7915- 101 Avenue Edmonton AB T6A OK2 To: Goldstein Award Selection Committee Dear Committee Members : I live in a very nice condo community, in Oct. 2005 my neighbor moved in some friends, turning her quiet house into a drug house. There were tubs of gasoline and other chemicals in the back yard, there were cars coming and going at all hours of the night and day, there was people sitting in the parking lot doing their drugs, and people would be coming over to drop off stereo's, computers, tools, car parts in the middle of the night. This turned my very nice condo community into a nightmare. I was unable to let my children out in the back yard to play, because I was afraid of the chemicals that were stored next door, I had to check who was in the parking lot before I let my daughter walk to school in the morning, I had some scary people coming to my door by mistake. There wasn't a good night sleep had by any of us, because of the fighting, and all the drop offs that happened at night. The landlord kept taking my complaint letters, but because they had paid their rent, there wasn't much they could do. I was put in contact with Constable Brodeur, and the "Report a Drug House" program. This program was invaluable to me. Constable Brodeur gave me information on how to safely get license plate numbers, and times and dates of these occurrences. He then came on a regular bases to the house and let them know that things were not acceptable. He also contacted the city, and got someone out to investigate the chemicals in the back yard, and they were forced to remove them or they would be fmed. The information that I provided to Constable Brodeur in the end was enough that the owner of the condo could take them to court and evict them on criminal activity in the unit. During this process I felt safe knowing that Constable Brodeur was keeping an eye on the situation, he cared about my feelings, and understood my fears for my children. The "Report a Drug House" program is wonderful, I wish every community had access to such a program. As a citizen I felt empowered helping my community to get rid of the bad element that for so long we were all helpless to do anything about. Myself and my neighbors now know some of the signs to look for in a drug house. # Thank you Amanda Van Dyk ## \#44-1904-48 St Edmonton Alberta T6L 5H3 June $21^{\text {st }} 2006$