The Edmonton Police Commission has appointed Deputy Chief Devin Laforce and Deputy Chief Warren Driechel as interim Chiefs effective today, Feb. 21, 2025. Ratified by Edmonton City Council on Feb. 19, 2025, the two will share the role on a rotating schedule until a permanent Chief of Police is selected in the coming months.
“The Commission received interest from two strong applicants for this role and we’ve decided to hire both as interim Chiefs of the EPS,” says Shazia Amiri, Vice Chair of the Commission. “We look forward to having Warren and Devin provide their diverse perspectives and ideas to help improve policing and public safety in our city.”
“We hope this also creates a smooth transition for all operations and the frontline while the EPS continues to provide Edmontonians with its vital public service as we seek to hire a full-time Chief.”
Both Laforce and Driechel bring a wealth of police knowledge to the interim Chief position, boasting a combined total of more than 50 years with the EPS.
Background: interim Chief of Police bios
Devin Laforce
Interim Chief Devin Laforce began his career with the Edmonton Police Service in 1999, starting his career in Patrol in the West Division. Over the years, he has led critical investigative and operational initiatives, focusing on intelligence-led policing, major criminal investigations, and forensic advancements.
As Deputy Chief of the Investigations and Support Services Bureau, he oversaw the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), the Investigative Support Division (ISD), the Operational Support Division (OSD) and investigative teams in ALERT. Collectively, these Divisions encompass a wide range of Edmonton’s policing services, including investigations such as homicides, organized crime, financial crimes and domestic violence; specialized investigative support areas like forensics, cybercrimes and covert operations; and crucial operational support through units like Tactical, K9, Flight Operations and Traffic Services; as well as the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and other integrated teams in ALERT.
Interim Chief Laforce is recognized for his dedication to accountability, innovation, and collaboration. His work has bolstered investigative capabilities, enhanced policing strategies, and fostered strong community relationships.
“I’m honoured to serve as interim Chief and to lead alongside my colleague, interim Chief Driechel”, says Laforce. “I am grateful to the Commission for this opportunity to lead this incredible team of dedicated members. Together, we will continue to support our members, advance policing excellence, and build stronger connections with our community”.
Warren Driechel
Interim Chief Warren Driechel began his career in 1997 and hit the streets in Patrol North Division. Throughout his career, he has led and developed several police intelligence units and programs, worked in organized crime and gang investigations, provided expertise in recruit training and spearheaded changes in data organization and technology development.
Interim Chief Driechel is dedicated to innovation, leadership and operational excellence, and is known for his strong commitment to community engagement and proactive policing. In his recent role as Deputy Chief, he directed the Community Safety and Well Being Bureau, which includes the Crime Suppression and Community Operations Division and the Integrated Community Safety Division. These divisions focus on a variety of community services and offender management and support, including the Community Safety, Encampment Response, PACT and HELP Teams; the Emergency Communications Centre; the School Resource Officer Program; and the Behavioural Assessment and Integrated Offender Management Units.
“I’m honoured to be Edmonton’s interim Police Chief over the coming months and wish to thank the Commission for the incredible opportunity to lead a service I am proud to represent,” says interim Chief Warren Driechel. “I look forward to leading the service alongside my colleague, interim Chief Laforce and know we will continue to actively decrease crime and disorder, while connecting Edmontonians with the services they need most.”