Dwayne Lakusta has been appointed as the Chief of Police for the yet to be formed Grande Prairie Police Service.
The Grande Prairie Police Commission says Lakusta was hired “after an extensive search and evaluation process conducted by the commission.”
Lakusta was named Grande Prairie’s top cop thanks in part to nearly 30 years in law enforcement, including with the Edmonton Police Service for 26 years, serving in several roles, including the Drug Undercover Street Team, Project KARE, and the Organized Crime Branch.
According to the Grande Prairie Police Commission, the incoming chief played a significant role in modernizing the Police Act while working as the Executive Director of Law Enforcement and Police Oversight at the Government of Alberta.
Chair of the Grande Prairie Police Commission Dan Wong says Lakusta’s leadership, strategic mindset, and dedication to community safety made him an ideal candidate.
“We look forward to working closely with Mr. Lakusta as we establish a police service that reflects the values and priorities of our community,” Wong says.
Lakusta says he is looking forward to the opportunity to lead the transition from the current policing model to the municipal police service.
“I am truly honoured by the appointment, and I look forward to working with the Grande Prairie Police Commission, City Council, and the entire community to build a police service that is reflective of and responsive to the unique needs of our city,” Lakusta says.
The incoming chief will work with the commission to develop the services policies, procedures and standards, pulling from his experience in front-line policing, policy development and police oversight.
Lakusta will start as Police Chief on August 28th.
