Just as a new Calgary police chief was sworn in Wednesday, two deputy chiefs left the service. Read More
’I know this change is sudden and … I want to assure everyone in this city the CPS is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition of leadership,’ said new the chief, Katie McLellan
‘I know this change is sudden and … I want to assure everyone in this city the CPS is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition of leadership,’ said new the chief, Katie McLellan
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Just as a new Calgary police chief was sworn in Wednesday, two deputy chiefs left the service.
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The changes come just five days after the abrupt, unexplained departure of six-year chief Mark Neufeld, leaving his successor Katie McLellan to assure Calgarians all was well with the city’s police service.
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And they happen just as the CPS is tasked with handling some of the security for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and a massive influx of delegates for the Rotary International Convention in Calgary — both being held next month.
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“I know this change is sudden and . . . I want to assure everyone in this city the CPS is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition of leadership,” said McLellan, who has been with the service since 1986.
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“I am honoured, privileged and humbled to be selected for this role . . . we are in safe and steady hands.”
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The new chief dubbed her role an interim one but made clear she will remain chief indefinitely and that there is no process underway to find a new top cop.
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She spent the first 13 years of her career working in front-line areas and her most recent role was with leading CPS’s investigative support bureau.
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McLellan also told reporters deputy chiefs Chad Tawfik and Raj Gill have retired after lengthy stints of service with CPS.
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When asked if their departures were related to her ascension to the chief’s chair, McLellan wouldn’t comment and reiterated the two had retired.
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She also wouldn’t explain the exit of Neufeld — who had two years remaining on his contract — saying it was a confidential personnel matter.
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Morale a problem with police service
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McLellan acknowledged morale has long been a problem within CPS. Internal surveys have shown one of the more concerning responses among rank-and-file is a lack of confidence in senior leadership.
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“Things like that don’t change overnight,” she said.
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“We’ll continue to listen and learn.”
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A report released last October that included an internal survey shows small improvements in employee engagement and morale in recent years, with results suggesting concerns about staffing levels and inappropriate conduct have been top of mind for many CPS employees.
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According to the report, the issue of inadequate staffing was a major concern of both CPS employees and Calgarians. Six out of 10 Calgarians were in low agreement that CPS was adequately staffed this year — an all-time low, the report says. More than 80 per cent of CPS employees agreed.