A Calgary alderman has renewed calls for a police presence at LRT stations following an alleged sexual assault early Sunday.
Two 15-year-olds have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident, which is believed to have occurred around 3:40 a.m. at the Heritage LRT station.
Ward 8 Ald. John Mar, a former police officer who currently serves on the Calgary Police Commission, said he has been pushing for members of the Calgary Police Service to patrol the local LRT stations for three years.
“There certainly is ample precedent in Canada as well as in North America for an open system like ours to have police officers rather than peace officers,” he said.
“The public treats them differently, the authority is different and the training and tools are completely different.”
Frequent transit user Sarah Roberts supports bolstering security at the LRT stations, but added that she has never had an issue when riding the train.
“I can stick up for myself, but it is scary when thinking about my younger friends that use it,” she said.
Fellow transit user Hayle Dreher said improving security would definitely make her feel safer, noting she has been approached by some shady individuals at LRT stations in the past.
