Safer communities and neighborhoods program (SCAN)

There are several ongoing efforts to combat crime around the province. One of them is the SCAN program, that can help improve community safety by shutting down properties that are regularly used for illegal activities.

Once you file a confidential complaint with the program, and there is enough evidence to support it, an investigation is launched. Investigators will first try to resolve the issue through informal actions, such as a warning letter to the property owner.

The program can also order property owners to remove barricades that cause public safety concerns or exceed reasonable security measures. The last resort is formal action, such as a community safety order, which can shut the building down for up to 90 days.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act is not criminal legislation. Rather, it provides a civil process to shut down properties where illegal activities are taking place.

You must give your name for the purposes of the investigation. However, the process is confidential. That means your name will never be revealed. In addition, program staff will deal with all court proceedings that may result from the complaint. Your privacy is assured throughout this process.

• producing, selling or using illegal drugs
• prostitution
• unlawful sale or consumption of alcohol
• unlawful activities linked to or promoting organized crime
• child sexual abuse/exploitation
• unlawful gaming activities
• possession of illegal firearms or explosives
• possession or sale of illegal tobacco
• possession, consumption, purchase, sale, distribution, cultivation, storage or production of illegal cannabis
• unlawful fortified buildings

• frequent visitors at all hours of the day and night
• frequent late-night activity
• windows blackened or curtains always drawn
• visitors with expensive vehicles
• unfriendly people who seem secretive about their activities
• people watching cars suspiciously as they pass by
• extensive investment in home security
• garbage that contains numerous bottles and containers, particularly chemical containers
• neglected property and yard

If there is a suspicious property in your neighbourhood, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Call the Safer communities and neighborhoods program toll-free at 1-877-826-2122 or email [email protected].