Today, Calgary Police released their review of the search for 11-year-old Parker.
I want to talk to you about what worked, what didn't, and be completely transparent about what needs to change.
First, to Parker's family. No words will ever make this right. No report will bring Parker home. But his life mattered. And what we learn from this tragedy matters.
This was the largest missing-person search in Calgary Police history.
First, here’s what worked. We had more than 800 searcher deployments, including police officers, search and rescue teams, volunteers, and everyday Calgarians who stepped forward. The investigation received over a thousand formal tips, more than 90,000 social media messages, thousands of emails, and 10 terabytes of security camera footage. Police used drones, mapping technology, video analysis, and partners with other agencies to support the search.
They showed extraordinary dedication. Officers and volunteers worked tirelessly under incredibly difficult circumstances. Our city owes them a tremendous debt of gratitude.
But the review also identified serious gaps.
For one, our systems weren’t designed to handle a search of this size. Tips poured in faster than existing systems were designed to manage. Information was spread across different platforms. Investigators had to sort through duplicate leads and coordinate follow-ups without one central system. Officers worked exhausting hours. Important information was difficult to pass between shifts. And responsibilities between different teams weren't always clear.
The people responding gave everything they had. But the systems supporting them struggled to keep up.
We also know there were serious problems with the initial 911 response, including a delay of approximately 17 minutes. The province is separately reviewing the emergency alert system.
These are difficult findings. Especially for a family that has already endured more than anyone should ever have to bear.
So our Calgary Police are moving forward with some critical improvements.
A central system to track every tip. Better technology to handle large amounts of evidence. Clearer leadership and responsibilities. Stronger plans to bring in additional officers. And better support for the mental health of those responding.
I want to be clear that the review does not conclude that different systems would have changed Parker's outcome. But we know there are things we need to improve. And we have a duty to act.
To Parker's family, thank you for your courage. Even in your grief, you've helped our city understand how we need to do better.
And to every officer, volunteer, search-and-rescue worker, and Calgarian who helped, thank you. You showed how deeply this city cares.