As part of the Clean to the Core program, Focus on Safety, The City and its partner TELUS are initiating a new project this week to remind Calgarians that public telephones are available for legitimate users only and are not to be used for conducting illegal business activities.
A number of months ago, several payphones throughout the Centre City were identified as locations where criminal activity (drug trafficking and prostitution) and social disorder was concentrating.
After receiving complaints about the activities occurring around them, 8 problem phone booths were removed to ensure the safety of the area. However, this solution also removed a beneficial service from people who actually use it, tourists and citizens alike.
Instead of removing every problem payphone, The City, beginning this week, will display “WARNING” stickers on 30 public telephones in the Centre City as a part of a new program to serve as a reminder that pay phones are for public use and are not to be misused but will also warn users that if the phones are being used for illegal purposes. The police can obtain the call records from that phone to be used for criminal prosecution.
Alderman John Mar will put on the first “Warning” sticker on the payphone at 17 AV & 11 ST SW, on 2009 July 15 at 1:00pm.
Calgarians are encouraged to call 3-1-1 if they have concerns about telephones in their community on public property or speak to their District #1 CLO at 403-567-6100. For telephones on private property, citizens can call TELUS directly at 1-800--661-0201.
Lorna, The City of Calgary
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