From Policing to Public Service: Chief Dale McFee's Relentless Pursuit of Community ImpactFrom Policing to Public Service: Chief Dale McFee's Relentless Pursuit of Community Impact
Relentless-The Podcast
Chief Dale McFee shares an unfiltered look at his journey from hockey player to police chief, reflecting on crisis leadership, community trust and officer wellness. The conversation highlights how jobs, relationships and relentless partnerships can shift youth crime, addiction and homelessness far more effectively than slogans or funding swings.
1:11:51•21 Nov 2023
Chief Dale McFee: Relentless Policing, Tough Love and Second Chances
Episode Overview
- Relentless, in McFee’s words, means never quitting when people’s safety is on the line, because “losing is not an option.”
- A sudden leadership crisis in Prince Albert pushed him into the chief’s role, reinforcing the importance of integrity, good legal advice and strong mentors.
- He argues that defund-style approaches fail because the issue is less about budgets and more about innovation, training, partnerships and accountability.
- Data and experience showed that a “job and a relationship” reduce reoffending far more than focusing solely on housing or incarceration.
- Programs like the Y50 collaboration with YOUCAN Youth Services show that persistent outreach and shared responsibility can significantly cut serious youth crime.
“"My definition of relentless is never quitting, always staying in there… when you're looking after people, losing is not an option."”
What drives someone to seek a life of service, even when the pressure never lets up? This conversation between host Kyle Dubé and Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee gives a candid look at what it means to be “relentless” in public safety and community work. The chat is laid-back and funny at times, with plenty of gentle chirping about hockey careers, “smoke show” wives and frozen salt-and-vinegar crisps.
Underneath the humour, though, sits a serious look at leadership, trauma, and community safety. McFee defines relentless as “never quitting, always staying in there… in this job, when you're looking after people, losing is not an option,” and that attitude runs through his stories of moving from junior hockey to policing, then to chief roles and government.
Listeners hear how a sudden scandal in Prince Albert pushed a young inspector into the acting chief’s chair overnight, and how that trial by fire shaped his views on integrity and politics in policing. He talks openly about the toll of events like the murders of constables Travis and Brett, saying the only way through is to “lean in, lean on, and look after each other,” while investing heavily in officer wellness.
For people interested in addiction, youth risk and homelessness, there’s plenty here too. McFee stresses that meth-fuelled violence, mental health and social breakdown can’t be solved by “moving money around” or just “building infrastructure.” He argues that change comes from strong partnerships and relentless follow-up: a “job and a relationship” can do more to cut crime than simply housing or punishment.
That’s why he’s so keen on the joint work between Edmonton Police Service and YOUCAN Youth Services with the Y50 program, targeting the city’s highest-risk young people. Anyone curious about how justice, community work and recovery efforts intersect will find this a grounded, human conversation that doesn’t shy away from the hard bits, but still leaves room for a laugh.
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