Katie McLellan introduced as Calgary’s new interim police chief

Calgary officially has a new interim police chief was officially introduced on Wednesday.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says Katie McLellan was officially sworn in as the new chief earlier in the day.

Former chief Mark Neufeld resigned last week after six years with the force, the Calgary Police Commission said at the time that McLellan would immediately assume the role on an interim basis and they would not be starting a search for a new chief right away.

The police commission said it met with Calgary city council on Tuesday to seek ratification of her appointment.

“I am honoured, privileged and humbled to have been selected for this role,” said McLellan on Wednesday. “I want to assure everyone in our city that the Calgary Police Service is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition of leadership.”

The police commission said the wait to search for a permanent replacement would be put on hold with Calgary ready to take on several major events in the coming months, including the G7 Summit and the Calgary Stampede.

“The coming weeks and months are significant for our city,” said McLellan. “I’ve got full confidence of the members and leaders in CPS, and our partners, to manage these events and ensure they are successful.”

She acknowledged challenges the force is facing, particularly staffing the front lines, and said CPS will continue to look at ways to modernize service and she will continue to advocate for increased resources.

McLellan joined the force in 1987 after immigrating from Scotland and spent 13 years working in frontline areas. She most recently was in charge of the Bureau of Investigative Support.

“Those early years engaged in grass roots community policing taught her that the police alone cannot prevent and solve crime without support from communities and partner social agencies committed to improving the lives of all Calgarians,” reads a statement on the CPS website.

Neufeld was sworn in as chief in June 2019 and the commission approved a three-year contract extension for him in 2023, which would have kept him in the role until 2027.

There is no word on the reason for his resignation.

McLellan thanked Neufeld for his service on Wednesday, but did not go into any further detail as to why he resigned.

She also announced that two deputy chiefs, Chad Tawfik and Raj Gill, have retired and will be replaced by two of the forces superintendents, Cliff O’Brien and Asif Rashid. Rashid will take charge of the Bureau of Investigative Supports and O’Brien will lead the Bureau of Community Policing.