GPPS holds graduation ceremony for second Experienced Officer class

Type(s)
News Release

The ranks of the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) continue to grow with the graduation of its second Experienced Officer Program. A ceremony was held the morning of November 25, 2024, at the Teresa Sargent Hall in front of a crowd of dignitaries, colleagues, and family.

The three graduates have strong ties to the Grande Prairie area, each having either grown up in the city, most recently worked out of the Grande Prairie detachment, or previously worked in the area and eager to return. They bring experience in dismantling organized crime in a multi-agency enforcement unit, rural policing, and child forensic interviewing, and are already serving as mentors to GPPS’ first recruit class underway.

“The Grande Prairie Police Service is committed to building a progressive and responsive policing model that will modernize law enforcement in our community,” says Chief Dwayne Lakusta. “The recent addition of three experienced officers has already enhanced our presence in Grande Prairie. These officers will play a pivotal role in patrol duties, training, and specialized functions as we continue our journey toward becoming the police of primary jurisdiction police service by early 2026.”  

“It is impressive to see the Grande Prairie Police Service continue to hit significant transition milestones and to see the calibre of experienced officers it is attracting,” says Grande Prairie Police Commission Chair Dan Wong. “The commission is excited to see the extensive experience these members bring to the service.”

“The City is proud to see the graduation of the second Experience Officer Program class, and the continued growth of the Grande Prairie Police Service,” says City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton. “We’re thankful for the ongoing progress the GPPS is making in their transition and the positive impact they are already making in building connections and supporting community safety.”

GPPS’ Experienced Officer Program lasts approximately five weeks and includes training on the Police Act, trauma-informed care, Indigenous teachings, firearms, mental health first aid, conducted energy weapons, unconscious bias, immediate action rapid deployment, first aid, policies, and more. All the training is delivered locally with community partners.

Two of the experienced officers have begun working alongside members of the RCMP, joining three of their GPPS colleagues at the Grande Prairie detachment, while the third is a full-time resource to the Caribou Child & Youth Centre. 

GPPS is also excited about the progress of its first recruit class, scheduled to graduate on February 21, 2025. This class, consisting of 12 members, will further strengthen the presence of GPPS officers in Grande Prairie. Currently, applications are being processed for the second recruit class, which is set to begin in March 2025, as well as for the third Experienced Officer Program, scheduled to start in January 2025.