Calgary Police union distributes thin blue line patches, despite commission’s directive

The Calgary Police Commission (CPC) says the association that represents officers has “distributed countless thin blue line patches and pins to police officers and civilian members” in response to their ban.

Please see the following statement on the Calgary Police Commission's decision regarding the use of the Thin Blue Line patch by on-duty Calgary Police Service members. #yychttps://t.co/dWTRARvHpT

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) March 30, 2022

On Wednesday, the CPC directed offices to stop displaying the thin blue line patch at the end of March, after concerns were raised about the symbol’s contentious history of division, colonialism, and racism.

The move to defy the directive has left many members frustrated, and Chair Shawn Cornett says it is concerning to see these groups act in such a way.

“It is deeply concerning that the police associations and senior officers are encouraging police officers to disregard a lawful direction given by the body Calgary’s elected government has appointed to provide police oversight.”

“That is something that will absolutely need to be addressed if it continues,” Cornett added.

The thin blue line patch has been used by officers to show support for each other and fallen members, however, it’s also been associated with counter-protests against the Black Lives Matter movement.

Read More:

• COVID-19 fines, race relations, and the thin blue line: One-on-one interview with CPS Chief Mark Neufeld

• Thin blue line flag at Edmonton Police Association ruffling feathers

• Calgary officers no longer allowed to wear thin blue line patches: Police Commission

“There are varying views of the thin blue line amongst those who sit on the Commission and we have had many long conversations about it,” said Cornett.

“We know the thin blue line patch is a symbol with deep, positive meaning to the police officers who wear it to support one another and honour those who have given their lives to keep us safe.”

Cornett says the Commission “completely supports there being a patch to express these ideas,” adding it “does not think officers are wearing the thin blue line to express the same things as those who use the symbol negatively.”

“But we also all agree that the thin blue line patch now has too many other messages mixed in with it to be the symbol used for this purpose,” said Cornett.

The CPC says it will pay to hire a graphic design firm to design a replacement symbol and hopes the Calgary Police Association accepts their invitation.