The Grande Prairie Police Service has created the Community Standards Unit (CSU) to further address social disorder in key areas of the city. The unit is made up of six recently graduated GPPS constables under the supervision of an experienced GPPS supervisor.
The team will be highly visible in the downtown core and park system, focused on addressing social disorder in the community and traffic issues. They will be limited in their roles and responsibilities by strict policy until they complete field training under experienced GPPS officers out of the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment later this year.
“We are excited to have found an innovative way of welcoming our first graduating class of police officers, showing proof of concept with the creation of the CSU two years ahead of schedule,” says GPPS Chief of Police Dwayne Lakusta. "Our priority is to ensure that businesses, residents, and visitors feel safe in downtown areas and city parks, as we aim to proactively improve public safety where it is most needed."
The CSU has already worked with Grande Prairie Enforcement Services to assist Wapiti House and the Saint Lawrence Centre in addressing abandoned property. Members have also begun meeting downtown business owners while on patrol.
The CSU follows the creation of the Community Engagement Team (CET) through Grande Prairie Enforcement Services in June 2024, teaming up sworn police officers with peace officers to give them greater enforcement powers to respond to social disorder across the city.
“We are committed to creating a safe environment for everyone, including those experiencing homelessness,” adds Chief Lakusta. “Our approach is rooted in compassion and respect, but we must also enforce necessary rules firmly to protect all individuals, particularly those who are most at risk. The safety of the community remains our top priority.”
The RCMP remains the police of primary jurisdiction for the City of Grande Prairie and the CSU is operating with its support. All calls requiring police attendance will be directed to the RCMP detachment.
