The Calgary Police Association (CPA) has "reluctantly" told its members they can no longer display the Thin Blue Line insignia on their work uniforms..The CPA claimed victory in other areas of negotiation with the police commission, CBC reported..The Calgary Police Commission (CPC) initially told officers to remove the patches beginning the end of March. However, the CPA — representing over 2,000 Calgary Police Service (CPS) members — defied the original directive and sent out patches and pins, issuing advice to defy the order..The patch is a visual symbol honouring officers who have died in the line of duty. It has particular significance for officers in Calgary following the death of one of the city's officers, Sgt. Andrew Harnett, in 2020..CBC obtained a copy of email correspondence sent to officers by association president Johnny Orr. In the email, Orr withdraws the union's recommendation to wear the controversial symbol following several meetings and legal consultation.."We reluctantly recommend you remove the TBL [Thin Blue Line] patches and comply with [the commission's] order," wrote Orr.."While we know that removing the patch is a tough pill to swallow, we believe that you have achieved several 'wins.'".Conditions that were ceded by the CPC in the negotiations include the CPS being permitted to keep the patches on dress uniforms "to show remembrance for the fallen on those occasions." It's an acknowledgement, says Orr, that the patch is "not a hate symbol."."We would be the first major police service in the country to do so and, in turn, would lead the way for all police services across the country to follow suit.".The CPA said while they still "vehemently" oppose the commission's decision to prohibit the patch, the grace period for enforcing compliance is almost over.."We strongly believe that if we continue to openly defy the order, discipline will be forthcoming," said Orr, who believes continued push-back could lead to suspensions impacting patrol effectiveness..Orr said citizen safety was paramoun."Putting Calgarians' safety at risk, which is something none of us are willing to do,".The March directive from the commission pushed tensions to breaking point between the commission and the CPS. .In his letter to members, Orr said the union "felt strongly" political interference from the commission "was playing a role in the anti-police movement.".Calgary councillor Gian-Carlo Carra has been one of the most high-profile public figures opposing the patch. The Calgary councillor called the patch a "known hate symbol." He also said those who defied the order to drop the patch have a "sense of entitlement."
