A new partnership between Lethbridge Polytechnic and the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) will ensure newly hired officers have the sharp skills and knowledge they need to begin serving their community.
Before policing alongside a field training officer, new GPPS recruits will complete the polytechnic’s Police Cadet Training program. The first class of 12 will begin training Sept. 9 in Grande Prairie.
Two instructors and the cadet coordinator from the polytechnic’s Centre for Justice and Human Services will travel to Grande Prairie several times over the course of the 22-week program to teach law and to guide scenario assessments.
An instructor from the Be Fit for Life Centre will be on-site initially to evaluate recruit fitness levels and to establish a fitness program that will be taught by a local instructor.
Upon completion, GPPS recruits will receive a certificate in Police Cadet Training from Lethbridge Polytechnic.
“This partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic will strengthen Grande Prairie Police Service’s recruit training and ensure our newest officers are well prepared for their field training with post-secondary-calibre instruction,” says Chief Dwayne Lakusta. “GPPS is proud to provide all of its training locally and is grateful to be working with the polytechnic to further our success in building a progressive, responsive and modern police service for the City of Grande Prairie.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic also partners with the Lethbridge Police Service, Taber Police Service, Blood Tribe Police Service, Manitoba First Nations Police Service and Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City to provide training to their recruits and newly hired officers.
In addition to earning a post-secondary certificate, all graduates also receive an automatic 42 credits toward the polytechnic’s Criminal Justice Policing diploma, should they wish to further their education.
Lethbridge Polytechnic Centre for Justice and Human Services Dean Trudi Mason adds the local institution is excited to have a new partner. “And for the role our institution and experienced instructors will play in preparing their cadets for successful and rewarding careers in public safety.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic will continue to provide yearly recruit training classes for the GPPS until their ranks are filled, and on an ongoing, as-needed basis in the future.