Share this Story : Edmonton Journal Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Keith Gerein: I hope Edmonton’s police chief learned a lot in Israel, because it came with a high political cost

While avoiding controversy should not be a top motivation for someone in Driechel’s position, it is equally true to say that it should at least be weighed against public benefit. In other words, the juice better be worth the squeeze.

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

It’s been nice, hasn’t it, going an entire year with no serious political controversies involving the Edmonton Police Service.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters.

Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account.

Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters.

Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account.

Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

Enough time has gone by, in fact, to almost make one forget about the few years previous when city council, police leaders and various advocates seemed in a constant state of tension.

Thankfully, 2025 provided a much-needed reset on the relationships, with new leadership at the police commission, better restraint from city council and the hiring of a new police chief with fewer political overtones around him than his predecessor. The changes were substantial enough to have police relations essentially disappear as an issue during the civic election campaign.

Alas, it is hard to have nice things at a time when public safety is an increasingly complex and polarizing subject. Even in a relatively peaceful city like Edmonton, it was a sucker’s bet for anyone to........

© Edmonton Journal