Chair Report
Chair Wong provided an update to the Commission regarding his Commission activities for the month. He attended An Evening with Grande Prairie on February 29th along with 3 of GPPS Executive Leadership, where he was able to connect with several people in the business community and government. On March 19th Chair Wong presented the 2023 Annual Report and the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan to Council’s Public & Protective Services Committee.
Grande Prairie Police Service Transition Update
Chief Lakusta reported they have received over 150 applicants for the first recruit class. There are strict standards the service must follow in selecting successful candidates. All candidates must successfully pass the APCAT exam (cognitive), A-PREP (physical), behavioural interviews, enhanced security clearance, and successfully pass a lie detector. The service has partnered with Eastlink Centre. The centre is providing dedicated space for training purposes and GPPS will be attending the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays to engage with the community.
GP911
Chief VanWerkhoven from Grande Prairie Fire provided a presentation on various dispatch models and the current model of GP911. The current model GP911 uses allows for quicker dispatch times and tiered response. GPPS and Grande Prairie Fire are working towards an integrated model that will be the first of its kind, dispatching Fire, Police, Municipal Enforcement, Mobile Outreach, GPREP and possibly other partners in the future. Dispatchers ask the caller what is happening, evaluate the needs and send the right resource.
Policy & Governance Committee
The Committee meets regularly to keep the Commission compliant with legislation as well as make improvements on Commission governance. The Committee brought forward the 2024 – 2026 Strategic Initiatives workplan, their Terms of Reference, and two recommendations on improving Commission meetings. Effective immediately, the Agendas will contain a Consent Agenda section, freeing up time on routine motions will increase discussion time on important matters. Members will be able to pull items out of the Consent Agenda for discussion if they wish. The Commission also made the decision to move to Motion Only Minutes. After a scan of other Commissions and best practices in governance, the Committee felt this move would allow for more fluid conversation without fear of being misquoted or their comments being misrepresented out of the fulsome discussion. Public members are always welcome to attend meetings and Commission members will keep their own notes going forward.