As the Grande Prairie Police Service prepares to become the police of jurisdiction for the City of Grande Prairie this October, it is committing to increased enforcement to address a small number of habitual offenders responsible for ongoing harm and disorder in the community.
GPPS is building a modern, balanced policing model that prioritizes prevention, partnership, and support, while also recognizing when enforcement is required.
GPPS continues to take a multi-tiered approach that includes sworn police officers, Enforcement Services, Mobile Outreach, and community health and social agencies. GPPS will continue to connect individuals with appropriate supports and services. Central to this approach is treating all individuals with compassion and respect, while seeking alternative, support-focused solutions wherever possible.
However, data shows that a small number of individuals are responsible for a disproportionate number of calls for service and incidents that contribute to community harm, fear, and social disorder.
“We are committed to working with our partners to support people and connect them to the help they need,” says GPPS Chief Dwayne Lakusta. “But where individuals continue to cause harm and are not engaging with those supports, enforcement must be part of the response. This type of behaviour cannot be allowed to continue.”
GPPS will work with the justice system and partner agencies to identify individuals responsible for the most serious and persistent issues, including not only antisocial behaviour, but actions that create risk.
This approach is not about targeting people experiencing homelessness or struggling with addictions or mental health issues. It is focused on individuals whose repeated actions are driving significant impacts across the system, often requiring multiple daily responses from police, outreach teams, and peace officers.
Public safety includes the wellbeing of the entire community. Ongoing issues such as open-air drug use, vandalism, property damage, and encampments in public spaces contribute to both real and perceived risk and affect residents’ sense of safety and quality of life.
“Grande Prairie is a strong and growing community, and people deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhoods,” says Chief Lakusta. “We will always lead with compassion and respect, but we will not allow a small number of individuals to continually impact the broader community. Where necessary, we will take enforcement action.”
GPPS and its partners will continue coordinated efforts in high-impact areas, including regular cleanups and proactive engagement near locations such as Wapiti House. Property owners are also encouraged to maintain their properties and address issues proactively to prevent them from becoming hubs for criminal or inappropriate activity.
Residents are encouraged to report concerns:
- For emergencies, call 911.
- For non-emergency police matters, contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700 or in person at 10202 99 Street.
- For bylaw or municipal concerns, call 311 or use the AccessGP portal.
“A small number of individuals are generating a significant number of calls for service,” adds Chief Lakusta. “Addressing that reality is essential if we want to reduce harm, support those who are ready for help, and ensure our community remains safe and welcoming for everyone.”
