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Katie McLellan Becomes Calgary's New Police Chief Following Leadership Shakeup

McLellan steps into the role permanently as the Calgary Police Service faces funding challenges, workforce morale concerns, and major event security preparations.

Police vehicles at Calgary Police Service headquarters in Calgary on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Calgary has sworn in a new police chief less than a week after the former chief abruptly resigned. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Calgary's new interim Chief of Police was officially sworn in on Wednesday while it was also announced that two of the city's deputy police chiefs have retired.
Newly-appointed interim Calgary police Chief Constable Katie McLellan was photographed following a press conference at CPS headquarters on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Newly-appointed interim Calgary police Chief Constable Katie McLellan speaks at a press conference at CPS headquarters on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Overview

  • Katie McLellan was officially sworn in as Calgary’s permanent police chief on May 7, succeeding Mark Neufeld, who resigned abruptly on May 2 after six years in the role.
  • Deputy chiefs Chad Tawfik and Raj Gill retired on the same day, with Supts. Cliff O’Brien and Asif Rashid promoted to fill their positions.
  • McLellan, a CPS veteran since 1987, brings extensive experience in frontline operations and crisis response to her leadership role.
  • The CPS is grappling with a $28 million annual budget shortfall caused by provincial restrictions on photo radar, alongside ongoing staffing and resource shortages.
  • McLellan’s immediate priorities include stabilizing internal morale, addressing funding gaps, and ensuring readiness for the upcoming G7 summit and Calgary Stampede.