Nearly 20% of Calgary’s police force is currently on leave or accommodation, with many citing physical or mental injuries. Despite the need for additional officers, the Calgary Police Service faces challenges in hiring due to limited training resources and space, as revealed in a memo sent by the Calgary Police Commission to city councillors ahead of the budget preview for 2026.
Of the officers on leave or accommodation, 6% are not working, while 13% have been reassigned within the Calgary Police Service. The president of the Calgary Police Association, John Orr, highlighted the longstanding issue of chronic understaffing within CPS, leading to burnout among officers. Orr emphasized the importance of addressing mental health concerns and the need for additional resources to support officers.
Orr stated that even if the 19% of officers on leave were back on duty, CPS would require nearly 500 new officers to meet national staffing standards. The current situation leaves CPS with no immediate solution other than relying on existing staff. The chair of the police commission, Amtul Siddiqui, acknowledged the significant impact of the staffing shortages on officer well-being, noting a nationwide trend in increased leave and accommodation cases.
Police Chief Katie McLellan assured the public that support systems are in place to maintain public safety amid staffing challenges. Siddiqui requested additional funding from the council to expedite the return of officers on leave, but acknowledged the current limitations in hiring and training new personnel. The council approved funding for 21 new officer positions for the upcoming year, with plans to enhance training capacity and support mechanisms to reduce the number of officers on leave.
Looking ahead, Siddiqui outlined a goal to recruit hundreds of new officers in the next budget cycle, with the city allocating $613 million for CPS in the proposed 2026 budget, up from $541 million in the current year. The budget preview is subject to debate and approval by the city council, which will be undertaken by a new council following the municipal election on Oct. 20.