The Grande Prairie Police Service, through Grande Prairie Enforcement Services, has launched a new Community Engagement Team (CET) dedicated to responding to social disorder impacting businesses and residents across the city. The move follows the end of the City of Grande Prairie’s Public Security Unit (PSU) agreement.
The creation of the CET follows an extensive analysis of the work being done by security officers in the PSU with a goal of creating a greater level of service for our community. It launched on May 1, 2024 and will focus on the downtown core where there is a high concentration of antisocial behavior. They will also respond to and patrol other areas of the city impacted by social disorder, such as our extensive park system.
“This is another step in our work to create a more integrated response to public safety with a full spectrum of service,” says GPPS Chief of Police Dwayne Lakusta. “The Community Engagement Team will mean increased visibility and patrols in the parts of our city that need it the most. Every resident and business owner deserves to feel safe.”
The team of officers from Enforcement Services will be augmented by the Grande Prairie Police Service for a tiered approach to addressing social disorder. Sworn police officers will assist the Peace Officers with greater enforcement powers, giving the CET authorities under both the Peace Officer Act of Alberta and the Criminal Code of Canada. The teams will also work closely with Mobile Outreach to offer services and assistance to those suffering from addiction, mental health concerns, and homelessness.
The RCMP remains the police of primary jurisdiction for the City of Grande Prairie and the CET will operate in full collaboration.