With nine months until the Grande Prairie Police Service becomes the police of jurisdiction for the City of Grande Prairie, the service is already demonstrating how a municipality can successfully transition to its own modern, community-focused police service.
The GPPS remains on track to complete its transition two years ahead of schedule, with municipal officers fully policing the City of Grande Prairie by October 21, 2026.
Since being established in 2023, the GPPS has made significant and measurable progress across all areas of operations. The service has developed its own in-house training program, delivered in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic, with its third recruit class nearing graduation. Partnerships with the Eastlink Centre and Northwestern Polytechnic have strengthened training and recruitment, alongside work with Indigenous partners to integrate local Indigenous learning into the curriculum for all officers.
To date, 54 officers have been sworn in, with interest from applicants exceeding expectations. Those numbers will grow to 70 by March 13, 2026, with the completion of Recruit Class #3 and Experienced Officer Program #6.
Experienced GPPS officers are filling critical policing roles, with 42 positioned at the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment, including assignments to the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams and Caribou Child & Youth Centre. GPPS has successfully recruited fully-trained tactical members, employs one of eight certified polygraphists in the province, and has detectives trained in major case investigations, further enhancing service to the community.
GPPS members are actively engaged in the community they serve, volunteering their time, participating in service projects, and taking part in events and fundraisers. The creation of the Community Standards Unit has had an immediate impact on community concerns. The GPPS has also implemented a multi-tiered policing model by integrating Enforcement Services and Mobile Outreach, improving coordination between members and ensuring the appropriate response to community needs.
“Our progress speaks for itself,” says Grande Prairie Police Service Chief Dwayne Lakusta. “We are exceeding timelines, delivering strong operational results, and building a modern, community-focused police service grounded in fiscal responsibility. Grande Prairie is demonstrating that a municipal transition can be executed successfully while enhancing public safety and public trust.”
Contrary to recent claims made by organizations opposed to modernizing policing models, the facts demonstrate that the transition is progressing responsibly and effectively. The Grande Prairie Police Service is delivering measurable results, responsible financial stewardship, and a scalable policing model that is already informing how future municipal transitions can be done successfully.
