The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) continues to grow and strengthen with the graduation of its fifth Experienced Officer Program. A ceremony was held the morning of October 24, 2025, in the Rotary Community Room at the Grande Prairie Public Library, attended by dignitaries, colleagues, and family members.
This graduation class includes four experienced officers who bring service backgrounds from the Toronto Police Service, Lakeshore Regional Police Service, and the RCMP. Collectively, they offer a broad range of expertise in areas such as surveillance, policing Indigenous communities, and national security investigations.
“Our growth is not just about numbers,” says Chief Dwayne Lakusta. “It’s about building a team rooted in community values and committed to the people of Grande Prairie. These experienced officers bring valuable perspectives that will strengthen our service and help us continue developing a police service that reflects the community we serve.”
The Experienced Officer Program spans approximately five weeks, providing officers with essential knowledge and local context as they transition into service with GPPS. Training includes the Police Act, trauma-informed practices, Indigenous teachings, use-of-force protocols, mental health first aid, unconscious bias, and immediate action rapid deployment, among others. Instruction is delivered in partnership with local agencies and organizations to ensure learning remains relevant and community-focused.
All four graduates will now serve out of the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment, bringing the total number of GPPS members assigned there to 34.
Recruit Class #3 began training in September 2025 and is scheduled to graduate in March 2026. At that time, GPPS will grow to 64 sworn officers, surpassing the halfway point toward its full complement of 110 members. Recruitment is currently underway for Recruit Class #4 and Experienced Officer Program #6.
