Calgary Police Chief Roger Chaffin has penned an open letter to citizens amid a controversial workplace review from 2013 that uncovered over 60 complaints from Calgary Police Service (CPS) employees claiming they were subject to bullying, sexual harassment and intimidation.
In the letter posted to Facebook on Thursday night, Chaffin said he wants every CPS officer to feel respected and valued.
“Recent attention to a 2013 workplace review has left many of us at unease,” Chaffin said. “It’s important to remember that these allegations are not reflective of the almost 3,000 employees of the service.”
READ MORE: Calgary police continue to reform workplace culture after harassment claims
“Make no mistake, I have deep concern for any employee who feels unsafe to come forward because I believe not even one individual that is employed by the CPS should be at the sending or receiving end of this type of behavior,” the statement continued.
“I implore those that feel they have been mistreated to find a way possible to reach out directly to me or the resources in our service that they feel most comfortable utilizing, so that together we can create a workplace that meets their expectations.”
Chaffin said recommendations made in the 2013 workplace review have been implemented “to a great extent” and that their Human Resources practices are “as modern and evolved as any professional and progressive organization.”
“I have full faith in our team that carries out our human resource processes and I am proud of the work they do.”
BELOW: Read the complete statement from Calgary Police Chief Roger Chaffin
With files from