'It's not like I'm new here': Calgary's new police Chief Katie McLellan credits experience for landing role

Calgary Herald

08-05-2025

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'It's about what you are doing every day to make a difference'
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In 2013, she left the CPS as a senior superintendent to work as a security consultant in the oil and gas sector, saying at the time she'd achieved all she could in the ranks of law enforcement.
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But that was not to be as McLellan joined the Alberta RCMP in 2018 to lead its Federal Policing South, Serious and Organized Crime.
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The following year, she was back with CPS and was deputy chief, leading the investigative support section. She was chosen as chief quickly following Neufeld's abrupt exit last week.
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Last year, her contract with the CPS was extended with the support of her predecessor.
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It's that experience and versatility that's proven key in McLellan becoming the city's top police officer, she said.
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'I've been in almost every area (of the CPS) — I've watched the ebbs and flows,' she said earlier this week.
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McLellan, 57, is also the CPS's second female chief, following in the footsteps of Christine Silverberg, who donned the role from 1995 to 2000.
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But the new chief said she doesn't view her promotion — and experience within the CPS — through a gender lens.
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'It's not about being male or female, it's about being competent,' she said in 2013.
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'For me, it's not about rank, it's about what you are doing every day to make a difference. I'm just one of thousands in here, the job doesn't get done by one person.'
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McLellan could become permanent chief, says criminologist
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On Wednesday, McLellan said that 'technically' she is an interim chief, but because there's no active search for a permanent one, she's Calgary's top cop indefinitely.
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It's possible she could eventually be supplanted, but keeping her on a long-term basis would be a good thing, said Mount Royal University criminologist Doug King.
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'She's a really, really wise choice — I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes the (permanent) chief,' he said.
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'She certainly does have the breadth of experience, she's done virtually everything a police officer can do as she's moved up the ranks.'
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Her role as head of field operations was so important, given its connections to the CPS's bread and butter front-line policing, meaning 'she was basically a co-chief at that point because of all the responsibility,' said King.
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And that rap sheet, he said, puts her in good standing with the rank and file, which could mean their support, which is crucial.
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'It means she feels very comfortable in the uniform, as did Neufeld, who was always wearing the uniform,' said King.
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McLellan said her first priority as the new chief is ensuring the security for the G7 summit in Kananaskis, which is expected to generate considerable related activity in Calgary, including protests.