Calgary police to focus on diversity in 2018 recruitment drive

The Calgary Police Service will be turning its focus to recruitment in the new year.

In a recent interview with CBC, Chief Roger Chaffin said the lion's share of a $20.8-million budget increase approved by city council in late November would go towardfour new recruitment classes, with a special focus on diversity and increasing female ranks.

Over the past year,it's been a difficult climate at CPS following allegations from female members of bullying and harassment within the force, Chaffinconceded.

"Of course you worry about any negative aspect of our profession that would tend to push people away, whoever they are," he said.

• Formal bullying, sexual harassment complaints filed against Calgary police
• Calgary police unveil plans to tackle bullying and harassment amidst continued controversy

Nonetheless, Chaffin said the service is committed to a "very diverse and very inclusive" organization, beginning with its recruitment efforts.

I think our goalis to make sure when we get them here that we're able to retain them- Roger Chaffin, Calgary Police Chief

"[It's about] making sure we're bringing the right kind of people in, people who are attracted to policing for the opportunity to do very well in community," he said.

And, despite the negative attention on CPS human resources issues, Chaffin said the service has seen a big uptake in young women looking for a career in policing. It's a trend he'd like to see continue.

"I think our goalis to make sure when we get them here that we're able to retain them, and keep them for long, have them feel safe throughout their career, have opportunities presented and make sure it's a dignified workplace," he said. "That's really our big goal, is to keep them."

No specific number

Brian Thiessen, chair of the Calgary police commission the service's civilian oversight body said they won't be mandating a specific number of female recruits for CPS in 2018.

"We get to see immediately as the service recruits: how are we doing on diversity and gender diversity?" he said.

"Not just focused on the numbers of women or diverse groups but also diversity of perspective, because of course they are still going to hire, and we hope they hire, lots of capable males who have a open mind towards diversity and engaging in the community."

Always focus on best applicant

According to Chaffin,in the past few years there have been instances where there have been more female applicants in a class than male applicants.

He said the service will always focus on who is the best applicant, but said it's a good thing when they have a strong pool of female applicants.

"They're seeing this big uptake and this big opportunity for them, and we've done very well over the last few years, and I just want to continue that pattern over the next few years."