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 institution's 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."
Formed in collaboration with the core police services of southern Alberta, Lethbridge Polytechnic's Police Cadet Training program is designed to meet industry demand and ensure newly hired officers are well-trained in both hard skills, such as firearms use, and soft skills, such as interpersonal communication, ethical accountability and teamwork.
Lethbridge Polytechnic also partners with the Lethbridge Police Service, Taber Police Service, Blood Tribe Police Service, Manitoba First Nations Police Service, 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.
"We have a proud history of offering high-quality criminal justice programming, and our award-winning Police Cadet Training program is no exception," says Trudi Mason, dean, Centre for Justice and Human Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic. "We're excited to have a new partner in the Grande Prairie Police Service, 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.
Experienced officers and new recruits interested in joining the Grande Prairie Police Service can learn more by visiting gppolice.com/careers.
