Public engagement shapes Edmonton police commission's search for a new police chief

Edmonton's police commission has launched its national search for a new police chief after asking Edmontonians to share their priorities for the future head of the city's police service. 

After former police chief Dale McFee announced he would be retiring, the commission appointed two interim chiefs, Devin Laforce and Warren Driechel, in February.

A job ad for the position was posted Monday on a leadership recruitment company's website.

Chair Ben Henderson said the commission, which provides governance and oversight of the Edmonton Police Service, hopes to recommend someone to city council before the October election.

The commission conducted between 40 and 50 interviews with individuals and groups, inside and outside EPS, to find out what people wanted from a new police chief, according to the commission's chief communications officer John Statton.

The commission also examined the results of two surveys — one run by the research company Leger and another by the City of Edmonton.

Henderson said commissioners feared the engagement would reveal differing opinions between groups, but instead similar desires emerged: reducing crime, committing to community-based policing, increasing accountability, improving officers' wellness and collaborating with others.

"Ultimately, I hope that process is going to make people feel like this is their chief and that they've had a hand in that selection, and hopefully we can get someone that they feel is theirs," he said.

The future police chief will lead an organization with approximately 2,000 sworn officers and 1,000 professional staff.

McFee started in the role in 2019. 

McFee is now the Alberta government's top civil servant, serving in the role of deputy minister of executive council and head of the Alberta Public Service.

The job posting says the successful candidate's first-year deliverables include developing a plan to address social disorder, delivering a fiscally responsible budget submission and building strong relationships with city council, the provincial government and other groups.

Strengthening trust with marginalized communities and modernizing service delivery are among the role's "key accountabilities." 

"I think really building a good relationship with the rank and file within the service and getting their trust is a huge piece of what a chief's job has to be, and it's not always easy, and I think the other one is creating really going strong relationships with all those groups that you have to work with," he said.

Bryce Jowett, president of Civic Service Union 52, said the union's members who work in civilian positions for EPS want a police chief who will lead with respect and transparency.

He said members are looking for recognition, mental health and wellness support, work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.