Hello again everyone.  Yet again I have the unfortunate pleasure of speaking with you after some traumatic and difficult situations have taken place in the community.

Firstly, the events in Orlando on June 12th were incredibly sad and disturbing.  I remember seeing the news early on Sunday morning and watching as the story unfolded.  It is unbelievable that one person could carry out such a hate-filled attack on anyone, let alone a large group of people who were simply out to enjoy themselves and enjoy being themselves.  49 innocent people were killed, and 53 others injured in the deadliest mass shooting and the deadliest incident of violence against the LGBTQ* community in United States history.  However, what was equally incredible was the way that everyone came out in support of the community and to remember those lost in the massacre.  Despite having been involved in a police event for much of the day, there was no way that I was not going to attend the vigil in Olympic Plaza that night.  I stood in awe and amazement at how so many people were able to gather with very little notice to pay their respects and show their love and support.  Likewise, I was honoured to be a part of the memorial service to the Orlando victims a few days later, and stood among the many attendees with tears in my eyes listening to the songs and hearing the words spoken by the guests.  Again, a tremendous turnout by the community and such impeccable behavior by everyone as you would expect.

I noted with interest some of the reporting of the memorial service, hearing media outlets reporting an increased police presence.  Yes, that was true; after all we have a job to do to make sure that any event is safe for everyone.  More importantly, there were a large number of officers who were there not because they were paid to be there, but they were there on their own time because they wanted to be there.  They also wanted to be in uniform to demonstrate support.  If they had been there in their street clothes then they would just have become a face in the crowd, but it was important to them to give that visible message of support individually and from our organization to the community.  I have no doubt that June 12th will become as infamous a date in history as September 11th.

That brings me to the incident during Toronto Pride on 3rd July.  I don’t know if it is my personality, upbringing or professionalism, but I find it difficult to comment on something without having all the facts available.  What is known is that the Black Lives Matter Toronto group staged a sit-in which held up the parade for 30 minutes.  They obviously felt that they had to bring awareness to an issue or issues, and this was one way that they could achieve that.  Could this have been done differently?  Maybe, but perhaps then it wouldn’t have been so widely reported.  Were a set of demands made, and subsequently met?  I don’t know, I wasn’t there, and I don’t know how accurate the reporting of it all is.  Having said that, I know lots of gay police officers and consider myself the biggest ally, and the thought of being in a position where we would not be welcome to participate in the parade is not something I really want to contemplate.  I hope that the work that the Calgary Police Service, my Chief’s Advisory Board and I are doing is recognized and appreciated by the community.  I really believe that the relationship we are building together is pretty special, but I also know that we have a long way to go.  You know that I always welcome the opportunity to meet with any of you, to answer your questions and to give you the opportunity to find out what I am really like.  Of course, I am not naive enough to believe that everyone is like me, but I can only assist in making positive change if you tell me about any negative interactions that you have with our members.  I am completely transparent and it has to be that way in order to gain your trust and to make this work.  If that continues to be the case, I am sure that whatever problems are faced in Toronto will be less of a problem here in Calgary and that you can look forward to seeing Calgary Police Service representation in the Pride parade for many years to come.  We cannot forget the past, but together we can change the future.

As always, please look after yourselves and each other, and connect with me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.  I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.