Edmonton police commission closes the doors on public meetings

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLocal News Edmonton police commission closes the doors on public meetings "Discourse surrounding the Commission has moved far beyond legitimate criticism of the board, police governance or oversight," reads a Wednesday statement from the Commission Author of the article: By Steven Sandor Published Sep 02, 2026 2 minute read Join the conversation Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel on Dec. 11, 2025. PHOTO BY DAVID BLOOM /Postmedia file Article content The Edmonton Police Commission’s upcoming slate of public meetings won’t be very public. Article content On Wednesday, the commission announced that Sept. 17, Oct. 22 and Nov. 19 meetings will be available via Zoom, but won’t feature public speakers. These will be virtual meetings, bringing back memories of COVID lockdown times. Article content Article content The reason? The July meeting was heated, with speakers calling for Chief Warren Driechel to be fired. There is still lingering debate over Driechel’s decision to visit Israel in February, though he had signed an agreement with the U.S.-based Major Cities Chiefs Association to avoid political discussions during his time there. Article content Article content Article content “Discourse surrounding the Commission has moved far beyond legitimate criticism of the board, police governance or oversight,” reads a Wednesday statement from the Commission. “It has devolved into personal attacks, defamation, threats and intimidation directed at Commissioners, police service members, staff, and other members of the public. These actions are damaging, harmful and personal. They do not represent constructive public dialogue or a safe work environment, and they will no longer be tolerated. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “The Commission cannot stand by while individuals engage in actions and behaviour that seek to purposefully intimidate public servants or individuals and communities who do not share their views on topics that are not within the mandate of the board. Public feedback was abusive and insulting over several months, and as a result, the Input from the Public item been removed from future public meeting agendas.…