In a significant reshuffling of Calgary’s police leadership, Acting Deputy Chief Cliff O’Brien was sworn in as interim chief on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a substantial overhaul at the Calgary Police Service’s highest ranks. The ceremony at city hall comes amid the unexpected retirement announcements from both deputy chiefs, Chad Tawfik and Paul Cook, creating what some observers describe as the most significant leadership transition in the service’s recent history.
“Today marks both an end and a beginning,” O’Brien stated after taking the oath of office. “While we face challenges ahead, I’m committed to maintaining stability during this transition period and building on the foundation laid by my predecessors.”
The leadership change follows former Chief Mark Neufeld’s departure to head the Edmonton Police Service earlier this month. According to internal documents obtained by CO24, the Calgary Police Commission had anticipated a more gradual transition, but the simultaneous departure of all three top executives has accelerated the timeline for organizational change.
Commission Chair Shawn Cornett addressed concerns about the abrupt shift: “We’re confident in Acting Chief O’Brien’s abilities to lead through this transition. The retirements of our deputy chiefs, while unexpected, provide an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives to our leadership team.”
City councillors expressed mixed reactions to the developments. Ward 8 Councillor Courtney Walcott emphasized the importance of continuity: “While leadership changes are natural, ensuring operational stability remains paramount for community safety.”
The police service has faced increasing scrutiny over rising violent crime rates in Calgary’s downtown core. Recent statistics published on CO24 Politics indicate a 12% increase in violent incidents in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, adding pressure on the incoming leadership team.
Sources within the police service, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggest the leadership changes may be connected to internal disagreements over resource allocation and policing strategies. “There’s been tension about how to address downtown safety concerns while balancing community policing initiatives,” one senior officer told CO24.
The Calgary Police Commission has announced a nationwide search for a permanent chief, with O’Brien confirming he will apply for the permanent position. The commission expects to announce the new permanent chief by fall 2024.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, pledged full support for the police service during the transition. “Public safety remains our top priority. We’re committed to providing the resources needed for effective policing while the service undergoes this leadership transition.”
The leadership vacuum comes at a critical time for Calgary’s public safety strategy, as the city council recently approved a $25 million investment in downtown revitalization efforts, including enhanced police presence in high-crime areas.
Community advocates are calling for the leadership change to spark meaningful reforms. Elizabeth Cannon, director of the Calgary Community Safety Coalition, stated: “This transition presents an opportunity to reassess how policing is conducted in our city and to strengthen community engagement in safety initiatives.”
As O’Brien takes the helm, questions remain about how this unprecedented leadership shake-up will affect Calgary’s approach to public safety and community policing. Will this dramatic changing of the guard lead to meaningful policy shifts, or simply represent new faces implementing the same strategies in Calgary’s ongoing battle against crime?
