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City Of Grande Prairie announces process for new chief of police

Apr. 13, 2023, Grande Prairie, Alta. – The City of Grande Prairie is now receiving applications for the city’s new chief of the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS).

The new chief of police will report directly to the Grande Prairie Police Commission and be responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the newly established GPPS. The chief of police plays a critical role in the leadership of public safety initiatives within our community.

As the first new municipal police service in Alberta since 1956, the GPPS offers a truly unique opportunity for a Chief of Police to develop and lead a modern, integrated public safety agency with a focus on local oversight, transparency, and recruitment. The Grande Prairie Police Commission, once fully formed and operational, has final authority over the selection of the candidate, the content of descriptions of roles, responsibilities, qualities, and competencies of the chief of police.

“With the opportunities presented by the Grande Prairie Police Service and the unparalleled prospect of building a modern and integrated police service, the City eagerly anticipates the establishment of the Grande Prairie Police Commission and the key role that they will play in selecting the right candidate to lead the GPPS,” said Jackie Clayton, Grande Prairie Mayor.

Reporting to the Police Commission, the chief of police will possess all the skills and competencies that are traditionally associated with the role, as well as highly developed acumen enabling a primary focus on relationship building, collaboration, communication, development of formal agreements, recruitment and training, strategic planning, and other administrative functions that are necessary to build the infrastructure of a new, local service from inception. The chief of police will lead a team of over 200 employees, both sworn and civilian, and will be responsible for leading the GPPS in public safety, public accountability, community relations, and media management.

The chief of police will work closely with the City of Grande Prairie, RCMP, provincial and federal governments, community groups, and police services in Alberta and across Canada. The successful candidate must have a thorough understanding of the City of Grande Prairie’s community culture, organizational structure, corporate strategy, and key priorities.

The deadline for application is May 31, 2023, however, the recruitment will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired. For more information or to apply for the chief of police position, please visit the job posting.

The City of Grande Prairie is committed to building a modern, professional, ethical, equitable, and locally accountable local police service that enhances public safety within the community.