The Grande Prairie RCMP, along with the Grande Prairie Police Service have delivered a year-end progress update regarding the ongoing jurisdiction transfer between the two agencies.
Several members of the new police service have already been working out of the Grande Prairie RCMP Detachment, with five GPPS members joining the detachment as of the end of December. Four will serve as general duty police officers, and one as a forensic investigator.
Both RCMP Acting Detachment Commander Mark MacDougald and GPPS Chief Dwayne Lakusta agree that the past year has been quite fruitful for both agencies, with both men indicating work will continue in the new year to ensure a smooth transition, all while protecting residents.
“Over the past few months RCMP officers and GPPS officers have established good working relationships because we all have the same purpose- to keep you safe,” MacDougald says. “2024 marked a historic year for the Grande Prairie Police Service, and the smooth integration of GPPS members into the RCMP detachment is a testament to public safety being non-negotiable during the transition,” Lakusta adds.
The first two GPPS members joined the detachment in July following the GPPS’ first Experienced Officer Program graduation. The GPPS maintains more experienced officers, along with 12 new recruits are on track to join the detachment after their graduation in March 2025.
Throughout the transition process, residents are reminded the process to follow during an emergency remains the same- calling 9-1-1. The Alberta RCMP remains the police of jurisdiction during the transition.
