GPPS holds graduation ceremony for first Experienced Officer class

Another milestone in the transition to a municipal police service for the City of Grande Prairie has been reached with the graduation of the Grande Prairie Police Service’s first-ever Experienced Officer class. A ceremony was held the morning of June 21, 2024, at the Teresa Sargent Hall in front of a crowd of dignitaries, colleagues, and family. 

The five graduates have extensive experience as police officers with the RCMP, Toronto Police Service, and other municipal police services. Their experience in specialties like Forensic Identification, High Risk Tactics, Community Engagement, and Serious Crimes investigations will make them leaders as the service continues to grow and welcomes its first recruit class this fall. 

GPPS’ Experienced Officer Program lasts approximately five weeks and includes training on the Police Act, trauma-informed care, Indigenous teachings, firearms, mental health first aid, Conducted Energy Weapons, unconscious bias, Immediate Action Rapid Deployment, first aid, policies, and more. All the training is delivered locally with community partners. 

Over the coming weeks, the sworn officers will start to fill a variety of positions. Two members will work with the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment, one will work out of the regional ALERT office, and two will remain with the Grande Prairie Police Service Transition Team developing the GPPS Forensic Identification Unit, SWAT/Tactical Team, and working with the Community Engagement Team. 

Information provided by the Grande Prairie Police Service