Message from Calgary Police Commission Chair Brian Thiessen

Chief Chaffin has notified the Commission that he is retiring after 32 years from the Calgary Police Service, effective January 6, 2019.

The Commission respects this decision and we sincerely thank the Chief for his leadership, integrity, and openness during a time of transformation for the Calgary Police Service. Chief Chaffin set the Calgary Police Service on a course to become a modern police service that reflects the values and characteristics of our community.

The direction he took CPS fills us with optimism about the achievements we will see over the coming years. We wish him the best in his retirement.

The Commission will start the hiring process for Calgary’s next Chief of police by striking a search committee on July 31 comprised of Commission members. We will keep citizens and our partners informed as details about the process and the timelines become available.

Brian Thiessen, Calgary Police Commission Chair

It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement as Chief Constable of the Calgary Police Service. Considerable deliberation has gone into making this decision, but for personal reasons, I know it is the right time for me to retire after 32 years of service.

The decision is not based on any particular event or issue, but is made with the best interests of the Service and Calgarians front of mind.

When I accepted the position three years ago, it was with a goal to provide long-term resiliency through modernization and an evolved model of policing. With HR and financial reforms well underway, work being done to implement strategies and recommendations from Justice Wittmann's use-of-force report, and a solid four-year business plan, the Service is best placed for ongoing opportunities to thrive.

I know this important work will continue as we strive to create a Service that is positioned to support the needs of the community and our members. In my remaining months, I will continue to lead the Service comfortable in the knowledge that our path is one with opportunity, accountability and integrity for many years to come.

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Commission for giving me the opportunity to lead such an incredible organization and for the support they have afforded me over the years. I also want to thank everyone at CPS who has made working here such a pleasure – being part of CPS in not just a career, it is like being part of a family.

As importantly, I wish to thank the citizens of Calgary. We have said for many years that creating a safe and healthy environment in a city the size of Calgary is not just a policing issue. It is an issue that can only be addressed when we all work together toward that common goal. We are reliant on the community we proudly serve – thank you.

Roger Chaffin

Chief Constable, Calgary Police Service