Policy and Procedure Manual
The Policy and Governance Committee was pleased to bring forward several updates to the Commission’s Policy and Procedure Manual. Significant changes to the Policy and Procedure Manual include: a new process for Chair and Vice Chair elections, Commission involvement in hiring a Deputy Chief if the service implements one, and stronger policies on financial management. The updated Policy and Procedure Manual, adopted unanimously by the Commission, can be found at gppcommission.com.
Policing Services Financials
The Commission approved the 2024 Policing Services Financials and the 2025 1st Quarter Policing Services Financials brought forwarded by the Financial Committee. In 2024, the costfor policing services was $32.4 million, $3.27 million under budget. 2024 was the first full year that included Grande Prairie Police Service, Transition Costs, Enforcement Services, RCMP Municipal Support, Mobile Outreach, and the RCMP Contract. A significant portion of the savings can be attributed to timing of transition cost as well as contract and personnel savings. Costs for policing services in the first quarter of 2025 were $10.2 million. Operational expenses are projected to be approximately $597K less than budgeted for 2025. This projected savings is due to an anticipated increase in revenue and personnel savings.
Grande Prairie Police Service Transition Update
The six recruits assigned to the RCMP detachment are expected to complete their Block II training at the end of June. Once their training is complete, the other six recruits assigned to the Community Safety Unit will transition to the RCMP Detachment to complete their Block II training. A second tactically trained officer will be joining Experienced Officer Program (EOP) #4 to form the foundation for the GPPS Tactical Unit. Relationship development continues as the service begins to develop their Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan that is required by the Police Act. Research continues on the development of a Community Peace Officer Induction Program. Municipal Enforcement had two members certified in commercial vehicle enforcement. These members are authorized to conduct inspections, issue citations, and if needed shut vehicles down. Chief Lakusta has been appointed as the Chair of the ALERT Board.
Professional Development
Members provided an overview of their attendance at the Alberta Association of Police Governance and the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association conferences. Both conferences provided great networking opportunities as well as information on e-crime and how AI deepfakes are used in fraud, human trafficking, and as aids to organized crime. Other sessions provided information on technology, evidence-based policing, and cultural diversity.
New Executive Director
The Commission was pleased to announce they have hired a new Executive Director. Wendy Hunt comes to the Commission with significant administrative experience in the law enforcement sector and will commence her role as the Executive Director on June 2nd.