Edmonton police Const. Tanelle Achtymichuk has been handed a reprimand after pleading guilty to mischief for an off-duty erratic driving incident on Highway 2 in 2024, where she refused to provide a breath sample to police.
Incident details
On Feb. 24, 2024, Achtymichuk was spotted driving erratically on Highway 2 while off duty. After being stopped in Mountain View County, she failed to comply with initial police instructions and refused to provide a breath sample, according to the five-page disciplinary decision released Tuesday by Edmonton police.
Achtymichuk was initially charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle but pleaded guilty in March 2025 to a count of mischief to property. She received a conditional discharge, including a seven-month probation term and a $100 fine. Her initial charges were not publicly announced.
Disciplinary hearing
After the criminal case concluded, Achtymichuk faced an internal police disciplinary hearing, where she admitted to a count of discreditable conduct under the Police Act. Penalties for misconduct under the Police Act can range from reprimands to reductions in rank and pay, and in the most serious cases, dismissal from the police service.
The disciplinary hearing was overseen by Devin Laforce, EPS's head of police operations and former co-chief, who served as the presiding officer. This marked a departure from recent practice, where a retired RCMP officer typically filled the role. Edmonton police did not respond by press time to a request for comment regarding Laforce's appointment.
Decision and impact
Laforce agreed to impose a reprimand on the recommendation of Mike Danyluik, Achtymichuk's lawyer, and Acting Sgt. Alex Liu, who presented the case against the constable. In his decision, Laforce wrote that conduct resulting in a criminal conviction, particularly involving motor vehicle operation that places the public at risk, represents a significant departure from expectations of police officers and has the potential to undermine confidence in the police service.
Laforce added that Achtymichuk's actions created a risk to public safety and resulted in a criminal finding, falling below the standard expected of a police officer. However, he stopped short of more serious discipline, noting that the discipline system must recognize when misconduct occurs in certain contexts, with details of mitigating factors redacted from the decision. He stated that the appropriate disposition must remain proportionate, support accountability, and allow for rehabilitation where appropriate.
