Shahin Mehdizadeh has extended his contract as the chief of the Lethbridge Police Service to 2029. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

LPS Chief extends contract to 2029

Aug 5, 2025 | 10:51 AM

Shahin Mehdizadeh will remain the chief of the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) for at least the next four years.

He has extended his contract with the service, which will keep him in the chief’s chair until August 2029.

Mehdizadeh was sworn in to the role in August 2020, having now completed five years with LPS.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue leading the dedicated members of the Lethbridge Police Service,” says Mehdizadeh. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together so far, and I remain deeply committed to serving our community with such an amazing and dedicated team.”

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At the beginning of his tenure with LPS, Lethbridge was the highest-ranked city in Canada in terms of the Crime Severity Index, holding the unfortunate distinction from 2019-2021.

The 2024 ranking, released last month, had Lethbridge in ninth place overall, with the city’s score falling by 19 per cent from the year prior. It was also the third consecutive year in which the Crime Severity Index score improved.

Lethbridge Police Commission Chair Noella Piquette says the Commission is confident in Mehdizadeh’s continued leadership and vision.

“This extension reflects our shared commitment to stability, service and forward-looking policing in Lethbridge. We’re excited to continue working with Chief Mehdizadeh as we advance our strategic priorities and strengthen relationships with the community,” says Piquette.

Mehdizadeh told media in July that he will continue to focus on addressing the root causes of crime, such as addiction, mental health and homelessness, as part of a strategy to make Lethbridge safer.

READ MORE: Lethbridge’s Crime Severity Index score down 19%

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