
'Different feel': Edmonton police open houses offer casual way to talk crime
Article content
For Edmontonians daunted by the prospects of Downtown parking and Robert's Rules of Order and formal agendas, there was a new and casual local way to take in the 2024 annual report of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).
A series of six open houses — one in each of the city's six police districts — has been a hit over the last few weeks.
Hundreds of people attended the series, with a range of interests 'all over the map,' said Interim Chief Devin LaForce.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CBC
17 hours ago
- CBC
Public engagement shapes Edmonton police commission's search for a new police chief
Social Sharing 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. Henderson said the commission conducted about 30 interviews with individuals and groups, inside and outside EPS, to find out what people want from a new police chief. 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 held the role since 2019. 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.


CTV News
19 hours ago
- CTV News
12 garage break-and-enters reported in Westmount and 124 Street areas
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is encouraging people to install alarms and use secure locks after a dozen garage break-and-enters west of downtown. Between April 3 and May 9, 12 break-and-enters were reported to police, usually happening in the early mornings between midnight and 6 a.m. in the areas of Westmount and 124 Street. The thieves gain access to the garage through back alleys and are typically taking items that can be carried away on a bicycle, police said. They're described as two to three males of average build and height, and one female who is 'heavy set' with brown hair and glasses. EPS is encouraging people to keep a record of serial numbers for valuable items, which can help with recovering if an item is stolen. Anyone with information about the suspects can contact police at 780-423-457 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Edmonton homicide detectives investigate after body found at site of house fire
A body was found inside a home that caught fire in Edmonton over the weekend and police said the death is being treated as suspicious. Firefighters were called to a house fire in the area of 120 Avenue and 77 Street early Sunday morning. In a news release, police said they were contacted by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services at 2:47 a.m. and emergency crews found a person's body inside. They did not say how old the victim is believed to have been but noted he was a male. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Police said homicide detectives have now taken over the investigation and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. Anyone with information about the incident or who has camera footage of the area around 120 Avenue and 77 Street between about 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Sunday is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at