What’s happening?
Nearly 19 per cent of Calgary’s police officers are currently on leave or working in accommodated roles due to physical or mental injuries, according to a memo from the Calgary Police Commission.
The breakdown shows 6 per cent are completely off the job, while another 13 per cent are reassigned to alternative duties within the Calgary Police Service (CPS).
Why does it matter?
The staffing shortfall has placed additional strain on active officers, with CPS still falling hundreds short of the national “cop-to-population” ratio. Calgary Police Association president John Orr said policing is a demanding career that exposes members to trauma, long shifts, and chronic understaffing.
“Sometimes people need to take a bit of a knee for a while until they get better,” Orr said. “Even if those 19 per cent were back at work, CPS would still need almost 500 more officers.”
Impact on policing
Commission chair Amtul Siddiqui acknowledged the numbers are “significant” and higher than in previous years, reflecting national trends. She emphasized that the priority is officer well-being so staff can safely return to duty.
Police Chief Katie McLellan said support systems are in place to maintain public safety while ensuring officers receive proper care.
Funding challenges ahead
The memo to council urged for more resources to support returning officers but noted CPS cannot currently train more recruits than already planned. In 2026, the service will train 135 new officers, including 21 additional positions recently approved by city council.
“Our focus over the next 12 months is to increase training capacity and reduce the number of officers on leave through improved back-to-work supports,” Siddiqui said.
