The Grande Prairie RCMP detachment. Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall, RCMP

Alberta RCMP Commanding Officer says he, local members, disappointed Grande Prairie going to municipal police service

Mar 7, 2023 | 1:32 PM

The head of RCMP in Alberta has issued a statement saying he and Grande Prairie detachment members are “naturally disappointed” in city council’s decision to go ahead with a municipal police service.

Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, the Commanding Officer of the “K” Division, says RCMP will continue their contracted service to Grande Prairie during the transition period, which is expected to take five years.

Zablocki says he’s heard from people in the community about what he calls “the respect and appreciation” people here and in other communities have for the RCMP and that they will continue to serve residents of Grande Prairie until the transition is complete.

The entire statement appears below:

Alberta RCMP Commanding Officer’s statement regarding Grande Prairie transition to municipal police service.

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While we support the responsibility of municipal leaders to evaluate their community services and listen to what their citizens want and need, I and the members of the Grande Prairie RCMP Detachment are naturally disappointed in this decision. We have been proud to live, work and serve in Grande Prairie.

The RCMP will continue in their contract service for the Grande Prairie region during the transition period. That transition will be a multi-year process, and we will be working with the City of Grande Prairie, Public Safety Canada and the Province of Alberta to establish a plan.

Throughout this process, I have heard about the respect and appreciation the communities have for the work of our employees, and I hear that repeated around the province. Their work is valued and appreciated. Going forward, we will continue to focus on maintaining our strong partnerships in the province and on serving Grande Prairie residents and the surrounding community.

Keeping Albertans safe and serving the people and communities of our province remains our top priority. I am proud of our employees’ hard work and dedication not only in Grande Prairie but across the province.

Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, M.O.M.
Commanding Officer, “K” Division RCMP