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Calgary Herald

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

Article content 'It's about what you are doing every day to make a difference' Article content 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. Article content But that was not to be as McLellan joined the Alberta RCMP in 2018 to lead its Federal Policing South, Serious and Organized Crime. Article content 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. Article content Last year, her contract with the CPS was extended with the support of her predecessor. Article content It's that experience and versatility that's proven key in McLellan becoming the city's top police officer, she said. Article content 'I've been in almost every area (of the CPS) — I've watched the ebbs and flows,' she said earlier this week. Article content Article content 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. Article content Article content But the new chief said she doesn't view her promotion — and experience within the CPS — through a gender lens. Article content 'It's not about being male or female, it's about being competent,' she said in 2013. Article content '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.' Article content McLellan could become permanent chief, says criminologist Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content 'She's a really, really wise choice — I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes the (permanent) chief,' he said. Article content '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.' Article content Article content 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. Article content And that rap sheet, he said, puts her in good standing with the rank and file, which could mean their support, which is crucial. Article content 'It means she feels very comfortable in the uniform, as did Neufeld, who was always wearing the uniform,' said King. Article content 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.