Organizational Meeting
The Commission started the new year with their Organizational Meeting electing their Executive and selecting Committees for 2025. Both Commissioner Wong and Commissioner Reiman were re-acclaimed as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively. A Stakeholder Engagement Committee was added to standing committees, and membership was decided for all Committees. These Committees will continue to ensure the Commission carries out their legislative requirements and will execute strategic priorities for 2025.
Commission Honorariums
Transparency is of the utmost importance to the Commission. In alignment with the City of Grande Prairie Bylaw C-1455, Commission members receive honorariums for their time spent working on Commission business. 2023 and 2024 Honorariums were reported at this meeting and the Commission will commence reporting on a biannual basis going forward.
Memberships
Maintaining membership in associations provides the Commission with professional development and stakeholder engagements opportunities as well as ensures the Commission has a voice through national and provincial advocacy. The Commission renewed their memberships in the Alberta Association of Police Governance (AAPG), the Canadian Association of Police Governance (CAPG), and made the decision to become a member of the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Grande Prairie Police Service Transition Update
In November, two members of Experienced Officer Program (EPO) #2 were deployed into the RCMP Detachment and one was assigned to the Caribou Child and Youth Centre. Three experienced officers have been identified for EPO #3 which is set to commence on January 27. GPPS continues to offer APCAT and APREP testing for those interested in pursuing an opportunity as a new recruit. 288 applications were received and are being processed to select 14 members for Recruit Class # 2. GPPS will welcome their first Inspector in March. Inspector Knibbs comes with 24 years of experience in the RCMP and brings extensive experience in specialized units, major event command, and Indigenous policing. GPPS has partnered with Alberta Health Services’ Protective Services Division to provide Community Peace Officer (CPO) training to new Peace Officer hires.