Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld resigns with 2 years left on contract

Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld has resigned despite having two years left on his contract, the Calgary Police Commission confirmed in a statement late Friday afternoon.

His resignation was first reported by CBC News.

"Our Commission is grateful to Chief Neufeld for his many years of service, both in Calgary and other communities across Alberta," said commission chair Amtul Siddiqui in the statement.

"He helped made great strides throughout his career in improving how police misconduct is addressed and guided the Calgary Police Service through some very tumultuous times. We wish him all the best in his next chapter."

Earlier on Friday, CBC News obtained a copy of an email sent by Siddiqui to members of the force informing them that Neufeld's resignation had been accepted. 

The email also said that CPS Deputy Chief Katie McLellan will act as interim chief.

"We know that this news may be unexpected for many, please know that our commission and Chief McLellan are working hard to minimize any impacts of this change on you and the work you do," said Siddiqui.

The search for a new chief will not begin right away, according to the commission. 

"To ensure that the organization is clearly focused on the busy summer ahead and to provide some stability as work continues to address staffing concerns and morale, our commission does not intend to start the search for a new chief immediately."

'It has been an honour and pleasure to serve'

The commission thanked Neufeld "for leading the service through a very turbulent time" and wished him "all the best in whatever comes next."

The statement from the CPC also included a comment from Neufeld.

"It has been an honour and pleasure to serve Calgarians and to have done so alongside the amazing members, both sworn and civilian, of the Calgary Police Service," Neufeld said.

"I am grateful for the warm welcome me and my family received from Calgarians when we relocated here, and for all the support we've received since. I have been very involved in the community over the past six years, and value the relationships that have been forged. I also value the strong support the CPS receives from Calgarians."

Neufeld was sworn in on June 10, 2019. His contract was supposed to run until 2027.

Before joining CPS as Calgary's top cop, Neufeld was the chief of the Camrose Police Service. He also worked in both Vancouver and Edmonton. 

When Neufeld joined CPS, he was the fifth person in five years to lead the service.

McLellan joined CPS in 1987 and spent the first 13 years working in frontline areas, later spending time in investigative areas, the commission said in its statement. She was the first inspector of the criminal operations section.

"The commission is confident that Chief McLellan will ensure a smooth transition, including minimizing any impacts to the G7 security planning and other key policing initiatives underway as Calgary prepares for a busy summer," the statement reads. 

"Chief McLellan also has extensive experience working with community partners to address crime and social disorder in public spaces, making her a strong leader to continue this work."