The union representing members of the Calgary Police Service has ordered front-line officers to remove “thin blue line” patches from their uniforms, its president confirmed Wednesday.
“After consulting with our members and several meetings with the CPS executive and committee, we encourage members to remove patches from their uniforms,” read an email from the president of the Calgary Police Association. John Orr.
“We look forward to continuing the dialogue with the (Calgary Police Commission) and CPS on this issue, as well as many others.”
The problem reached its climax earlier this year when the commission ordered officers, through Chief Mark Neufeld, to remove the patches in late March.
The commission has previously said the decision to ban the symbol was made for a number of reasons, including its controversial history of “division, colonialism and racism”.
This led to a rejection of the members and Neufeld requested a two-week break to discuss the issue.
The commission then set aside its decision and the two sides began talks, which led to Wednesday’s announcement.
At a CPC meeting on Wednesday, members said police officers have until May 31 to remove the patches. There was no update on what discipline would result from not doing so.
The Calgary Police Commission is a 12-member body of 10 civilians and two city councilors and oversees the CPS.