Calgary police search for ammunition lost from officer’s belt

Police are searching for a magazine and 15 rounds of ammunition that went missing from an officer’s duty belt on Thursday evening.

The on-duty officer was working in District 8, which includes all communities south of Fish Creek, when he noticed one of the magazine carriers on his belt was open and that a loaded magazine had fallen out.

The officer believes the magazine and ammunition most likely fell out somewhere in the communities of Midnapore, Shawnessy or Silverado between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

While police say the ammunition on its own “poses minimal risk to the public without a firearm,” they are apologizing to the public for the incident.

“The trust of Calgarians is something the service does not take for granted, and we recognize that instances like this can undermine your trust,” Staff Sgt. Darrell Hesse said during a news conference Friday outside the CPS District 8 office.

“On behalf of the Calgary Police Service, I’d like to sincerely apologize to Calgarians for the loss of this loaded magazine. Firearm safety and security is one of our top priorities, and yesterday we fell short.”

Hesse said the member, who has been with the Calgary Police Service for six years and a police officer for 13 years, was on active patrol at the time, and wasn’t responding to any specific call.

The ammunition clip CPS members use is prohibited because it holds five more rounds than other gun owners are permitted to have.

“The magazine only fits one make of handgun and poses no risk to the public on its own,” Hesse said.

“However, we still need to locate the items to ensure that they are secure, and never used in the commission of a crime.”

Police say they have thoroughly searched the areas where the ammunition may have fallen out.

Anyone who finds the magazine is being asked to call the Calgary police’s non-emergency line, at 403-266-1234.