Two longtime veterans of law enforcement have been named as the new interim chiefs of the Edmonton Police Service as the Edmonton Police Commission continues its search for a full-time replacement for Dale McFee, who begins a new job with the Alberta government next week.
At a news conference held Friday morning, Shazia Amiri, the vice-chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, revealed that Deputy Chief Devin Laforce and Deputy Chief Warren Driechel had been appointed to the shared role of interim chief.
“They will serve in these roles on a rotational basis while the commission completes the hiring process for a full-time, permanent chief of police,” she said. “With more than 50 years of combined service in policing and leadership, we are honoured to have these two dedicated officers serve together as interim chiefs.
“In their interim roles, Dreichel and LaForce will continue driving change within the Edmonton Police Service, focusing on community policing, public initiatives as well as front-line members. The commission has full confidence in both interim chiefs and their abilities to continue making Edmonton a safer city under the commission’s direction and oversight.”
Amiri said the police commission hopes to appoint a full-time chief before the end of the year. She added that having two interim chiefs to share the role will hopefully facilitate a “smooth transition.”
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“By having a rotational basis, it allows for them to hold on to their respective bureaus as well,” she said.”You want to make sure that there’s stability.
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“Both of them are extremely strong in their own way.”
LaForce said the rotation will see him and Driechel switch in and out of the role on a monthly basis.
“I know we share a common focus, a common commitment and respect for our city and our service, that will serve well as we move forward,” he said.
When asked, both LaForce and Driechel indicated they both became aware of each other’s interest in the role and that played a role in the two sharing it.
“We want to get to the same place …(and have) very aligned visions,” Driechel said.
“We’ve had a number of discussions already about our leadership vision and I can assure you that we are committed to working together to support the employees of the Edmonton Police Service and the community we serve.”
When asked about what may change, particularly when it comes to violent crime, both LaForce and Driechel indicated they do not plan any major adjustments.
“Nothing changes — we’ve got our foot on the gas as far as addressing crime right now,” LaForce said. “(But) this is policing. Every next day there is a new priority that we don’t know what it is yet, and so we have to make sure we’re agile and responsive to the community as those needs present themselves.”
Driechel spoke about his work with the community safety and well-being strategy and issues to do with mental health and social disorder.
“We don’t need to change course,” he said. “Over the past six years, we’ve managed to accomplish some pretty incredible things, including the development of the community safety and well-being strategy, an advancement of partnerships in challenging times.”
LaForce said he believes that under his and Driechel’s interim leadership, the police force and Edmontonians can expect some stability at an important time.
“It’s clear that as global uncertainty increasingly manifests in our local environment, the work is ongoing and our organization can’t afford to miss a beat,” he said. “We will be on top of it.
“An interim role is one where you are as much a caretaker as a leader, and your job is to prep the organization for the next big change that will come when the commission appoints a permanent chief.
“It’s a little bit like staging a house for sale. The house is in good condition and we will keep it maintained and clean, deal with anything that an inspection may tell us and then be ready to vacate when the new owner arrives.”
McFee’s last day with the EPS was on Friday. Starting Monday, he takes on the role of the province’s top bureaucrat as deputy minister of executive council and head of the Alberta Public Service.
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