The Grande Prairie Police Service is welcoming its fourth recruit class as momentum builds toward becoming the police of jurisdiction this fall.
The selection for this class was once again highly competitive, with more than 250 applications received. The rigorous hiring process includes written and physical assessments, multiple interviews to evaluate character and organizational fit, polygraph testing, psychological evaluations, and comprehensive background checks. GPPS remains highly selective, choosing only the top candidates to move forward.
The class of 10 brings a diverse mix of experience in law enforcement, military service, municipal enforcement, resource industries, and private sector roles, with seven recruits currently living in or having grown up in Grande Prairie, one joining from Dawson Creek, and two from elsewhere in Alberta.
“This recruit class comes at a pivotal moment for our service as we prepare to assume full policing responsibilities in Grande Prairie,” says GPPS Chief Dwayne Lakusta. “Each new member strengthens our foundation, and I’m confident this group will play an important role in delivering the professional, community-focused policing our residents expect.”
Over the next six months, the recruits will undergo Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Police Cadet Training program, along with specialized instruction in areas such as firearms, control tactics, physical fitness, community policing, crisis communication, Indigenous learning, interviewing techniques, and mental health first aid.
Training will take place at GPPS’ Recruitment and Training Centre at Northwestern Polytechnic, as well as at regional facilities like the Eastlink Centre, Wapiti Shooters Club, and NAPA Auto Parts Raceway in Beaverlodge. Recruits receive a full wage during training.
This will be the final recruit class to begin training before GPPS becomes the police of jurisdiction for the City of Grande Prairie on October 21, 2026. Recruit Class #3 graduated in March and is now completing field training alongside experienced GPPS members at the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment.
Recruitment is now open for Recruit Class #5, which is set to begin in early 2027. For more details, visit joingpps.com.
