Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld has unexpectedly resigned after six years at the helm, with the departure announced via a letter from Calgary Police Commission Chair Amtul Siddiqui. Neufeld’s resignation comes with two years left on his contract, extended until 2027, and the reasons for his decision have not been disclosed. Deputy Chief Katie McLellan, with over 35 years of experience, has been appointed interim chief effective immediately. McLellan faces the immediate challenge of overseeing security for the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis. The commission plans to focus on summer staffing, morale, and community consultation before selecting a permanent chief.
Details of Mark Neufeld’s Resignation
Mark Neufeld, who has served as Calgary Police Chief for six years, announced his resignation unexpectedly, surprising both the Calgary Police Commission and the public. His departure comes two years before the scheduled end of his contract, which was recently extended through 2027. The announcement was made through a letter from Amtul Siddiqui, Chair of the Calgary Police Commission, but no specific reasons have been provided for Neufeld’s decision to step down at this time.
Appointment of Interim Chief Katie McLellan
In response to the sudden vacancy, Deputy Chief Katie McLellan has been appointed as the interim chief effective immediately. McLellan brings over 35 years of law enforcement experience and a deep understanding of Calgary’s policing landscape. Her appointment ensures continuity of leadership as the department prepares for significant operational demands.
Upcoming Challenges: G7 Summit Security
One of McLellan’s immediate responsibilities will be to manage security for the G7 Summit scheduled to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta. This international event will require extensive coordination with local, provincial, and federal security agencies to ensure safety and order. The upcoming summit presents a critical test for the Calgary Police Service’s operational readiness under the new interim leadership.
Focus Areas for the Calgary Police Commission
The Calgary Police Commission has outlined key priorities during this transitional period. These include addressing staffing challenges during the summer months, improving morale within the police force, and increasing engagement with the community to maintain public trust. The commission has indicated that these areas will be closely monitored as they work toward selecting a permanent police chief in the near future.
Context and Next Steps
Neufeld’s resignation comes at a pivotal moment for Calgary’s law enforcement, with ongoing efforts to strengthen police-community relations and enhance operational capabilities. The commission’s process for appointing a permanent chief will involve community consultation and careful evaluation to ensure aligned leadership with Calgary’s policing goals.
As this situation develops, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about leadership changes and the police service’s preparedness for upcoming events.
Mark Neufeld’s unexpected resignation marks a significant transition for the Calgary Police Service amid critical operational demands and community engagement efforts. With Deputy Chief Katie McLellan stepping in as interim chief, the department is positioned to maintain leadership stability while addressing immediate priorities such as the security of the upcoming G7 Summit. The Calgary Police Commission’s focus on staffing, morale, and public consultation highlights a commitment to thoughtful leadership selection and strengthened police-community relations. As the situation evolves, ongoing updates will provide transparency regarding leadership developments and the police service’s readiness to meet both current and future challenges.
