Lethbridge residents will soon have a chance to tell police directly what they think about safety and service in their city. Starting July 2, the Lethbridge Police Service is launching a telephone survey to gather feedback from people across the community. The independent research firm PRA Inc. has been hired to run the random survey, which will take place over two weeks.
The survey asks residents about overall police performance, how satisfied they are with local policing, and how safe they feel. It takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes to complete, and all answers are kept confidential. Police say the results will help shape the 2027 Annual Policing Plan, which sets priorities for the year ahead.
Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh said the survey is a key part of making sure the service reflects what residents actually want. This is not the first time Lethbridge police have asked for public input. The last community survey, done in 2024, found 84 percent of respondents were happy with police services and 85 percent were satisfied with how police do their job. That same survey showed 70 percent of people felt Lethbridge was safe, an increase of five percent from the year before.
In 2024, residents identified drug crime, crimes against persons, and property crime as the top three issues they wanted police to focus on. Many also asked for more crime prevention efforts and a higher police presence in neighbourhoods. The new survey will check in on those concerns and give people a fresh chance to have their say.
The Lethbridge Police Commission, the civilian board that oversees the police, encourages residents to take part if they get a call. Chair Doug Thornton has said that hearing from the public is essential for good policing. The survey firm uses a mix of cell phone and landline numbers to reach a balanced cross-section of the community. Results from the 2026 survey are expected to be shared publicly later this summer.
