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Grande Prairie Police Service’s first experienced officer class graduates

July 3, 2024, Grande Prairie, Alta. – The budding Grande Prairie Police Service has reached another milestone with the graduation of its first-ever experienced officer class. A ceremony was held on the morning of June 21 in front of a crowd of dignitaries, colleagues and family.

The service shared in a release that the five graduates have gained extensive experience as police officers with the RCMP, Toronto Police Service, and other municipal police services.

“Building a new police service is no small feat; it requires a dedicated team with experience and knowledge to help establish our foundation in developing a modern police service all residents are sure to be proud of. Each of these officers carries with them a wealth of knowledge, a depth of experience, and a commitment to the principles that define this profession,” said Chief Dwayne Lakusta.

The experienced officer program at GPPS lasts five weeks. All the training is delivered locally and is said to include training on the Police Act, Indigenous teachings, trauma-informed care, firearms, mental health first aid, Conducted Energy Weapons, unconscious bias, Immediate Action Rapid Deployment, first aid and policies.

The sworn officers will start filling a variety of positions over the summer months. Two members will work alongside the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment, one will work out of the regional ALERT office, and two will remain with the Grande Prairie Police Service Transition Team, developing the GPPS Forensic Identification Unit, SWAT/Tactical Team, and Community Engagement Team.