Calgary police chief Mark Neufeld resigns, Katie McLellan appointed interim chief

Calgary police chief Mark Neufeld has resigned with two years left on his contact.

The Calgary Police Commission (CPC) confirms he resigned Friday morning after six years with the force and deputy chief Katie McLellan will immediately assume the role on an interim basis.

“Our commission is grateful to Chief Neufeld for his many years of service, both in Calgary and other communities across Alberta,” said CPC chair Amtul Siddiqui in a statement. “He helped make great strides throughout his career in improving how police misconduct is addressed and guided the Calgary Police Service through some very tumultuous times.”

Neufeld was sworn in as chief in June 2019 and held the role through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CPC approved a three-year contract extension for Neufeld in 2023, which would have kept him in the role until 2027.

The commission shared a message from Neufeld on Friday where he expressed gratitude for his time as chief, thanking all members of the force.

“I am grateful for the warm welcome me and my family received from Calgarians when we relocated here, and for all the support we’ve received since,” reads his message.

There is no word on the reason for his resignation. CityNews has reached out to the City of Calgary for comment.

McLellan named interim chief

Katie McLellan joined the force in 1987 and spent 13 years working in frontline areas.

The commission says they will not be starting a search of a new chief right away due to a number of major events coming to Calgary this summer.

“The Commission is confident that Chief McLellan will ensure a smooth transition, including minimizing any impacts to the G7 security planning and other key policing initiatives underway as Calgary prepares for a busy summer,” reads a release from the CPC. “Chief McLellan also has extensive experience working with community partners to address crime and social disorder in public spaces, making her a strong leader to continue this work.”

The commission says McLellan has experience developing community partnerships and changing the way police respond to individuals in crisis.