You may have seen us around.
Starting October 21, you'll see us everywhere.
Starting October 21, 2026, when the Grande Prairie Police Service assumes command as the city's police service, only GPPS vehicles and teams will patrol our city. Policing services will continue uninterrupted and calls for assistance will continue to be routed through the Public Safety Communications Centre.
GPPS will respond to all calls for police, municipal enforcement, and mobile outreach teams. Our tiered policing model means we can send the right team at the right time.
Whether you're wondering how to contact police, who will respond when you call, or what will change on October 21, you'll find the answers here.
What changes on October 21?
Beginning October 21, 2026:
- GPPS becomes the police service of jurisdiction for the City of Grande Prairie.
- GPPS officers will respond to all police calls within city limits.
- GPPS vehicles and uniforms will replace RCMP vehicles and uniforms for city policing.
- Specialized GPPS resources will be dedicated exclusively to Grande Prairie.
- Dispatching for police calls will transition to the Public Safety Communications Centre.
What stays the same?
While the badge on the uniform will change, many things residents rely on every day will remain the same:
- 9-1-1 remains the emergency number.
- 780-830-5700 remains the non-emergency number.
- Police services continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Residents should continue reporting crimes and public safety concerns the same way they do today.
How do I contact police?
The phone numbers will remain the same.
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 780-830-5700
In person: 10202 99 Street
Policing services will continue uninterrupted before, during, and after the transition.
Who will respond when I call?
GPPS will respond to all calls for police, municipal enforcement, and mobile outreach teams.
Our tiered policing model means we can send the right team at the right time, ensuring residents receive the most appropriate response based on their needs.
Will the RCMP still be in Grande Prairie?
GPPS will serve the City of Grande Prairie. The RCMP will continue to police the County of Grande Prairie and surrounding RCMP jurisdictions. The Clairmont RCMP detachment will continue to operate an office within the City of Grande Prairie. GPPS and the RCMP will continue to work closely together in support of public safety throughout the region.
Who oversees GPPS?
The Grande Prairie Police Service is governed by the Grande Prairie Police Commission, an independent civilian body responsible for police governance, strategic direction, and accountability.
The Commission provides civilian oversight and helps ensure policing services meet the needs of the community.
Who are GPPS' frontline officers?
GPPS officers are trained, experienced, and local.
Our team includes fully trained tactical members, a canine unit, drone operators, and detectives experienced in major crime investigations. New recruits complete six months of classroom training at facilities throughout the Grande Prairie region, followed by field training with experienced officers, meeting or exceeding provincial standards.
Like all GPPS employees, our officers live locally. They joined from across the city, Alberta, and Canada to make a difference in a community defined by growth and opportunity and to be part of building something new: a modern municipal police service, the first in Alberta in nearly 70 years.
At full capacity, GPPS will have up to 110 sworn police officers dedicated exclusively to serving the City of Grande Prairie.
Enhanced policing capabilities for Grande Prairie
When GPPS becomes the police of jurisdiction, specialized policing resources will be dedicated exclusively to our community. These include:
Tactical Team
Our in-house tactical team can provide immediate response to high-risk and critical incidents.
Canine Team
Starting with our first police canine, Dante, canine teams will work throughout the city alongside experienced handlers.
Criminal Investigative Section
Experienced detectives investigate major crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, and domestic violence.
Specialized Investigations Section
Experienced officers investigate organized crime, gangs, and drug activity while working closely with ALERT and other partners.
Forensic Services
Our team is staffed by highly experienced forensic specialists who support criminal investigations through evidence collection and processing.
Polygraph Examiner
GPPS employs a police polygraph examiner, one of only a small number in Alberta.
Drone Operations Unit
Drone technology supports searches for missing people, documentation of crime scenes, collision mapping, and response to crimes in progress.
A modern approach to public safety
As a community-focused police service, GPPS has established specialized teams focused on building relationships and addressing local needs, including:
- Community Engagement
- Youth Engagement
- Dedicated foot patrols
GPPS also integrates police officers, Grande Prairie Enforcement Services, and Mobile Outreach through a tiered public safety model. This approach helps ensure the right team responds at the right time while creating a more coordinated response to community concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will emergency response change on October 21?
No. Residents should continue calling 9-1-1 in an emergency and 780-830-5700 for non-emergency police matters.
Will police service be interrupted during the transition?
No. Policing services will continue without interruption before, during, and after the transition.
Will the RCMP still assist GPPS when needed?
Yes. GPPS will continue working closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement partners to support public safety throughout the region.
Why might Enforcement Services or Mobile Outreach respond instead of police?
GPPS uses a tiered public safety model that allows the most appropriate team to respond based on the situation. This helps ensure residents receive the support they need while allowing police officers to focus on matters requiring police intervention.