Grande Prairie RCMP joined by first members of Grande Prairie Police Service
The Grande Prairie RCMP will soon be joined by the first two police officers assigned to work for the RCMP by the Grande Prairie Police Service. The arrival of GPPS members is the latest step in Grande Prairie’s multi-year transition towards having its own municipal police service. During this transition, the Alberta RCMP remains the police of jurisdiction.
Starting the week of July 8, two constables will be integrated into the existing frontline teams at the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment and will work alongside the RCMP members.
“Regardless of the uniform, all of the officers at the detachment are dedicated to ensuring the safety of the citizens we serve,” says Superintendent Lee Brachmann, Officer-in-Charge, Grande Prairie RCMP. “The Grande Prairie RCMP is working closely with the GPPS and the Government of Alberta to advance this transition safely and effectively, while ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality policing services.”
“This significant milestone reflects the collaboration and partnership between the Grande Prairie Police Service and the RCMP,” says Grande Prairie Police Service Chief of Police Dwayne Lakusta. “Ensuring public safety is non-negotiable, and this move underscores our shared commitment to a safe and seamless transition. Our first Experienced Officer class is getting right to work, with others working out of the regional ALERT office and with the Grande Prairie Police Service Transition Team.”
In addition to the training and assessments completed during the recruitment process, the GPPS officers received extra training to become familiar with RCMP policies and procedures which will provide citizens with a consistent approach to policing.
Citizens are reminded that, whether it’s an RCMP uniform or one worn by the GPPS, the process to follow during an emergency is still the same.
“If you’re experiencing an emergency, you still call 911. If it’s not an emergency or you need to report a crime, you still call the RCMP detachment directly,” says Superintendent Brachmann. “No matter if it’s a member of the RCMP or a member of the GPPS, all of us are here to respond.”
