GP police commission releases annual report
The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) has released its annual report and strategic plan for the next two years.
“These documents set the framework for how we will create a modern police service that is responsive to the needs of Grande Prairie while improving accountability to council and the community,” said Dan Wong, Grande Police Commission chair.
He said the reports ensure the planning of the new police service are open and transparent.
Last year, the city decided to move away from the RCMP to create its own municipal police service. Police officers are expected to deploy this year, and the GPPS is expected to become the city’s police of jurisdiction in 2026, according to its transition plan.
“As GPPS is currently under development and not operational, the commission felt it was still important to move forward with informing the public on progress throughout 2023,” said Wong.
Traditionally, the police commission would work with the police service to create an annual report but because the GPPS was still being formed in 2023, the commission created its own.
“Our 2023 annual report is an opportunity to provide some background to our stakeholders on the roles and responsibilities of the commission to introduce our newly developed vision, mission and values,” said Wong.
The report says the commission's mission is to lead the way in public safety.
“Our mission is to provide strategic direction, innovative leadership and excellent oversight in shaping and sustaining the GPPS through effective, efficient, and equitable governance with a commitment to collaboration and engagement with our diverse and growing community,” read the report.
It also lists its values as respect, integrity, community, and excellence.
Wong says the strategic plan “provides a pathway” to ensure a successful transition to the GPPS and governance and oversight from the commission.
“We are committed to the development of a police service that improves the quality of life and improves public safety for the citizens of Grande Prairie,” he said.
“Our policies have been updated to ensure the police service is engaging with the community as the service is built, and we will continue to monitor progress closely with a focus on efficient and effective policing.”
The annual report notes that in eight sessions over three days in October, commission members and the GPPS police chief Dwayne Lakusta engaged with local stakeholders and community members about what the community wants to see the local police service look like.
The report says 143 people attended the sessions, and 36 provided input through an online survey.
Jesse Boily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Town & Country News
