Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): According to a recent memo from the Calgary Police Commission included in the city’s 2026 budget preview, approximately one in five Calgary police officers are currently on leave or working in accommodated roles due to physical or mental health challenges.
The memo indicates that 13% of officers are in accommodated positions, while 6% are on leave, highlighting concerns over officer wellness and staffing levels.
Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan emphasized the service’s commitment to supporting the health and wellness of its members, including those on leave or requiring accommodations. She acknowledged that such absences can impact operational capacity but assured that measures are in place to manage workloads and maintain public safety. CPC Chair Amtul Siddiqui noted that while the numbers are concerning, they reflect national trends in policing, where occupational stress and burnout are increasingly common.
Siddiqui stressed the importance of optimizing the existing workforce and providing stronger back-to-work supports to reduce long-term absences. The issue of officer wellness and its impact on policing resources is expected to be a key topic during the upcoming city council budget discussions in November.
