The Lethbridge Police Service announced the promotion of four officers on March 23, 2026, to recognize their leadership and commitment to safety in Lethbridge, Alberta. The group includes Staff Sgt. Jim Demone, Sgt. Cole Iwaasa, Sgt. Jonathan Brunning, and Sgt. Paolo Magliocco. These advancements come as the local police force continues to grow and meet provincial performance goals.
Sgt. Paolo Magliocco previously worked in the Economic Crimes Unit, where he investigated financial crimes such as a $250,000 lottery scam. The promotions follow other recent additions to the team, including seven new officers who graduated from a 23-week training program on March 5, 2026. The service currently employs more than 250 staff members who serve over 101,000 residents in the community.
Under the leadership of Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh, the service recently passed a major review by achieving full compliance with all 159 provincial policing standards in February 2026. Chief Mehdizadeh, who has led the force since 2020, will remain in his role until at least August 2029. The Lethbridge Police Commission, which is a group of citizens and council members that oversees the service, helps guide these organizational decisions.
Looking ahead, the police service is preparing to introduce body-worn cameras for all front-line officers by the end of 2026. City officials have already approved the necessary funding for the new equipment to meet provincial requirements. This technology is part of an ongoing effort to maintain high standards of public safety and officer accountability.
