Homelessness, Social Disorder and Public Transit in Calgary, Canada: Examining perspectives from law enforcement through the lens of critical social theory

Homelessness and social disorder on public transit are on the rise across Canada. We studied the factors contributing to social disorder on public transit, including homelessness, from the experiences and perspectives of frontline staff including police officers, transit peace officers, and an outreach team in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Using Braun and Clark's reflexive qualitative analysis approach and a critical social theory framework, we identified significant gaps in services for addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse that are negatively impacting the effectiveness of responses to social disorder. An over-reliance on law enforcement is the first and sometimes only solution. Other results include the stigma of substance use and homelessness in hospitals, and a lack of access to harm reduction and addictions treatment services. The findings reflect broader political and economic trends, including Canada's diminishing supply of low-cost housing and historical and current cuts to financial and social programs.