NEWS RELEASE: Jaffer listens to Edmontonians: vows to take back our streets

Edmonton, AB – August 26, 2025: Today, Edmonton Mayoral Candidate Rahim Jaffer announced a bold plan to take back the city from growing rates of violent crime and unchecked social disorder.

“People don’t feel safe in Edmonton anymore and that’s just not okay,” Jaffer said. “Families are scared to walk downtown. Seniors don’t want to take our buses and trains. Businesses are hiring private security. This isn’t the Edmonton we know and love. Something has to change.”

Crime has jumped significantly in recent years. In 2019, Edmonton saw 13,224 violent incidents. By 2024, that number hit 16,652. Jaffer says the city needs real leadership and real investment to turn things around.

“I’ve heard loud and clear from Edmontonians at my Revive Edmonton Town Halls: people want more boots on the ground, more presence, and more protection,” Jaffer said. “My plan responds directly to what I’ve heard, and it invests in what matters most - the safety of Edmontonians.”

Jaffer’s safety plan includes:

• 500 new police officers over four years.

• Adding 125 officers per year focused on community policing, beat patrols, and rapid response.

• Transit safety overhaul.

• Provide additional arrest and detain authority training for peace officers.

• Renovate LRT stations for improved safety.

• Install turnstile gates at all Capital and Metro Line stations.

• Clean and secure streets initiative.

• Expand CCTV coverage in high-crime zones (Entertainment District, Chinatown, Coliseum).

• Boost police foot patrols in parks, transit areas, and business corridors in partnership with social service agencies.

• Increase pressure washing and garbage removal in downtown to combat visible disorder.

• Integrate 911 with 211 to ensure the appropriate resources are being allocated to the right places.

• Advocate to the province to double the beds at the Edmonton Recovery Community.

• Form a coalition with like-minded cities to advocate for federal bail reform.

“This is a bold plan that is uncompromising when it comes to protecting people,” Jaffer said. “If I’m elected in October, we’re going to take back our streets from the gangs and criminals who’ve taken them over. We’re going to support our frontline officers. And we’re going to restore order in every corner of the city, and make it clear - this is our home, and we’re not giving it up.”

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