Finance Committee
The Finance Committee brought forward their Committee Terms of Reference as well as the 2023 Grande Prairie Police Service Year End Budget Report and the 2024 1st Quarter Transition Budget Update for approval. Commission members were pleased to hear the transition operating and capital costs were under budget for 2023 and that unused grant funds will be carried forward for use in 2024. The Commission’s expenses also came under budget for 2023 and are anticipated to be underbudget for 2024.
Grande Prairie Police Service Transition Update
The first GPPS uniforms and vehicles were unveiled on May 17th. Chief Lakusta has recruited 5 Experienced Police Officers to join GPPS with their training scheduled to commence on May 27th in Grande Prairie. 6 new Peace Officers will be joining Grande Prairie Enforcement Services (GPES) with 3 more vacant positions to be filled in May. A new Community Engagement Team is being established to replace the Public Security Unit contract that terminates on May 31st. This team within GPES will increase visibility in the downtown core and address social disorder. NWP has finalized the Indigenous training component for GPPS recruit training. The service continues to administer APCAT exams for individuals interested in pursuing a career in policing.
Branding
The Commission approved a simplified logo to be used for certain promotional items and reviewed branding elements to be used going forward. The Executive Director is working with a website designer to transition from a page on the police service website to their own website. The switch provides greater opportunity for community engagement and provides easier access to Commission information.