The decision was announced Wednesday by the Calgary Police Commission. “While the thin blue patch was never approved for officers to wear, it began to appear regularly on uniforms when officers received external body armor that included patch-mounting positions,” a statement said. “Officers have been allowed to continue wearing the thin blue line patch while consulting about it, but all officers on duty are now expected to stop wearing it by the end of the month.” Officers and family members wear the patch “to honor the fallen” and express support for those who serve, “however, the thin blue line also has a controversial history rooted in division, colonialism and racism, the most recent “appeared in a prominent position in protests against the Black Lives Matter movement,” the statement said. “We know members of the service support the principles of community policing, are committed to those who serve and cultivate trust,” said Shawn Cornett, chairman of the Calgary Police Commission. “Our members have also told us through engagement surveys that they are committed to tackling racial injustice and to respect and sympathize with all Calgary residents, even those who do not reflect the views of the majority.” The president of the Calgary Police Association, John Orr, said he did not know what the punishment would be if police officers continued to wear the patch after Friday, adding that a “significant” number of police officers were currently wearing one. “However, we strongly believe that the symbol is important for policing,” he said. “It has been misused and falsified by some, but it makes a lot of real sense to us.” A one-year consultation process was held – involving two Calgary Police Associations and Beyond the Blue, which supports police families, along with various community groups such as the Anti-Racism Action Committee and the CPS Community Advisory Committee – where some residents Calgary “has made it clear that the thin blue line on police officers makes them feel uncomfortable because of its history and current use by groups opposed to racial equality,” Cornett said. “As policing evolves, so do its symbols. Stopping using a symbol that undermines some Calgary residents’ trust in the police is the right thing to do,” he said. The two police associations and Beyond the Blue are now working with an independent creative company hired by the commission to design a new symbol that officers may be authorized to wear. The invitation has not yet been accepted but remains open. Orr said the CPA learned of the redesign plans Monday. “At this point, however, I do not think there is enough trust between the members I represent and the Calgary Police Committee to realize this without any new symbols losing their meaning,” he said. The Calgary Police Commission consists of 10 community members and two councilors, who provide oversight of the CPS. The Alberta Police Act requires the police chief to report directly to the committee and the committee to instruct the service through the chief.
