Rod Knecht named Edmonton police chief

Rod Knecht, a high ranking RCMP officer, has been named chief of the Edmonton Police Service after a news conference on Friday.

Knecht will retire from the RCMP, and start his new role with the EPS on June 1, 2011.

"The Edmonton Police Service has an international reputation for excellence and I see a tremendous opportunity to be a part of making Edmonton the most safe and vibrant city in Canada." Chief Designate Knecht said. "Serving the community of Edmonton will be personally satisfying and challenging.”

The Edmonton Police Commission has negotiated a five year deal with Knecht.

"I am very pleased to welcome Rod Knecht back to the City of Edmonton and into the role of Chief of Police," said Mayor Mandel. "His credentials are impressive and the Commission has done their due diligence. We’ve seen incredible progress in the Edmonton Police Service over the past five years and I expect this will continue under Rod’s leadership."

The hiring decision was made after nation wide search. The EPC says they received 22 formal applications for the job. Knecht was chosen for his experience, and commitment to community policing.

"The Commission set out to find the best candidate to become Edmonton’s next Chief of Police and we are confident we’ve achieved this goal,” said Commission Chair Arlene Yakeley. “Rod Knecht’s professional experience – in both operations and management – combined with extensive policing experience in the capital region and the province of Alberta made him the top candidate."

Knecht was believed to be in the running to become the head of the RCMP this summer when the current Commissioner William Elliott steps down.