Calgary's new police chief, Katie McLellan, is no stranger to the city's streets. In a comprehensive year-end interview with CTV News, Chief McLellan reflected on the significant challenges of 2025 and outlined her priorities for the year ahead, with a sharp focus on road safety and downtown security.
A Year Marked by Tragedy on the Roads
One of the most pressing issues Chief McLellan addressed was the troubling number of traffic fatalities in Calgary during 2025. She emphasized that these were not just statistics, but profound losses for families and the community. The chief stated that reducing preventable deaths on Calgary's roadways would remain a cornerstone of the service's operational strategy moving into 2026. This will involve a combination of enhanced enforcement, public education campaigns, and continued collaboration with city planners on road design.
Downtown Safety and Community Policing
Beyond traffic concerns, Chief McLellan spoke candidly about perceptions of safety in Calgary's downtown core. She acknowledged public anxieties and detailed the Calgary Police Service's multi-faceted approach to addressing crime and disorder. This includes maintaining a visible presence, working closely with social agencies to address root causes, and leveraging data to deploy resources effectively. The chief, who brings extensive frontline experience to her role, stressed that building trust through community engagement is paramount to creating a safer city for everyone.
Looking Forward to 2026
As she looks toward the new year, Chief McLellan conveyed a sense of determined optimism. Her vision for 2026 involves not only reacting to crime but proactively working to prevent it. She highlighted the importance of modern policing tools and training for officers, while also reaffirming the core principle of police serving as part of the community. The interview, conducted on December 20, 2025, served as both a retrospective on a difficult year and a clear statement of intent for the future of policing in Calgary.
Chief Katie McLellan's message was clear: while the challenges of 2025 were significant, the Calgary Police Service is focused, adaptive, and committed to making the city safer in 2026 and beyond.
