Community confidence in LPS reaches highest level in recent years

Public confidence in the Lethbridge Police Service is at its highest level in recent years, while perceptions of community safety have improved significantly, according to the 2026 Community Survey, which found record or near-record results across several key performance measures.

Conducted by PRA Inc. on behalf of LPS, the survey interviewed Lethbridge residents and measured public satisfaction, perceptions of policing, community safety and policing priorities.

Overall satisfaction with LPS reached 85 per cent – the highest result recorded over the past four surveys – with respondents expressing increased confidence in the service's ability to meet community expectations, deliver professional policing and respond effectively to public safety.

Respondents also reported a significant improvement in perceptions of safety across the community. Eighty-three per cent of residents now describe Lethbridge as a safe community, up from 70 per cent in 2024. In addition, 22 per cent of respondents believe the city has become safer over the past year, while the number who believe it has become less safe dropped by nearly half from 31 per cent to 16 per cent.

Residents reported stronger confidence in the service across several core measures:

• 91 per cent rated the job LPS is doing policing the community as adequate or better, up from 85 per cent in 2024
• 88 per cent said LPS is meeting expectations for keeping Lethbridge a safe and secure place to live and work, up from 83 per cent in 2024
• 90 per cent rated the professionalism of LPS personnel as adequate or better, the highest level recorded to date and up from 85 per cent in 2024
• 64 per cent agreed LPS is adequately staffed to respond to calls for service and help provide a safe community – the highest result recorded to date and a nine-point increase from 2024

Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh said the results reflect the dedication of LPS employees and the collective efforts of community partners working to improve public safety.

"These results are encouraging because they show residents are recognizing the work being done by our officers and civilian staff every day to keep our community safe," said Mehdizadeh. "We are particularly encouraged to see more people feeling safe in Lethbridge and a growing level of confidence in the service we provide. While we know there is always more work to do, we are proud of the progress being made and grateful for the trust the community places in us."

The survey also highlighted continued support for proactive and prevention-focused policing. While crime remains the community's primary concern, residents identified crime prevention and community visibility as leading areas where they would like to see continued police efforts. Drug crime, crimes against persons and property crime remain the top three policing priorities.

Among residents who believe LPS is doing a good job policing the community, one of the most frequently cited reasons was police visibility, which increased notably from the previous survey.

"The survey reinforces the value of visible policing, community engagement and crime prevention initiatives," said Mehdizadeh. "We remain committed to providing professional, responsive and community-focused policing while continuing to address the issues that matter most to residents."

The biennial Community Survey is one of several tools used by LPS to measure public confidence, evaluate service delivery and identify priorities that help guide strategic planning and operational decision-making.

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Highlights from the 2026 Community Survey

• 85% satisfied with LPS overall — highest level in the past four surveys
• 91% rate the job LPS is doing policing the community as adequate or better
• 90% rate the professionalism of LPS personnel as adequate or better — highest level recorded to date
• 88% say LPS is meeting expectations for keeping Lethbridge safe
• 64% believe LPS is adequately staffed — highest level recorded to date
• 83% describe Lethbridge as a safe community, up 13 percentage points from 2024
• 22% say Lethbridge has become safer over the past year, while those who believe it has become less safe fell from 31% to 16%
• Residents continue to identify drug crime, crimes against persons and property crime as the top three policing priorities

Full survey results: https://www.lethbridgepolice.ca/media/3r3movvr/2026-lps-community-survey.pdf