Constable - Forensics Section

The Region

The City of Grande Prairie is a vibrant, growing community located in the beautiful Peace Country region of Alberta. We are committed to providing exceptional public service and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Grande Prairie is a great place to live, work, and play.

The Police Service

In March 2023, the City of Grande Prairie made history by establishing the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS), the first new municipal police service in Alberta since 1956. GPPS is dedicated to creating a modern, professional, ethical, equitable, and locally accountable police service that enhances public safety within our community. With a team of over 225 professionals, including police officers, peace officers, outreach workers, and civilian staff, GPPS is positioned to deliver comprehensive public safety services.

The Opportunity

The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) is seeking highly motivated and detail-oriented police officers to join our Forensics Section. Forensic Officers play an essential role in supporting criminal investigations by collecting, documenting, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence from crime scenes. Their work is critical to building strong cases, supporting prosecutions, and ensuring the integrity of investigations.

This specialized position requires technical proficiency, precision, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain composure and focus in challenging and often high-pressure environments. Successful applicants will work closely with investigators, other specialized policing units, and external forensic laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Examine and document crime scenes with precision and adherence to forensic protocols.
• Locate, photograph, collect, and preserve physical evidence including fingerprints, footwear impressions, trace materials, and biological samples.
• Analyze, compare, and evaluate latent and known fingerprints and other types of physical evidence.
• Prepare detailed forensic reports, crime scene diagrams, and documentation for investigative and legal use.
• Present findings and provide expert witness testimony in court regarding the collection, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence.
• Maintain chain-of-custody standards for all evidence handled.
• Participate in ongoing training and maintain current knowledge of forensic tools, techniques, and best practices.
• Maintain and calibrate forensic equipment, and ensure proper documentation of all activities.
• Collaborate with investigators, Crown prosecutors, and external forensic agencies throughout the investigative process.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a sworn police officer or have been a sworn officer with a Canadian law enforcement agency.
• Have been a police officer within one year of application if they have less than five years of previous police experience, OR
• Have been a police officer within two years of application if they have five or more years of previous police experience.
• Have a minimum of 18 months’ continuous police service, inclusive of basic recruit training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Canadian Police College Forensic Identification Course (or an approved equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience examining crime scenes and collecting forensic evidence.
• Previous experience analyzing and comparing latent fingerprints.
• Experience providing court testimony related to forensic evidence is considered a strong asset.
• Strong attention to detail, integrity in handling sensitive materials, and excellent analytical and written communication skills.

Officers will be required to successfully complete the Canadian Police College Forensic Identification Course (or equivalent) in concert with additional components of an in-house understudy program in order to remain in the unit. Officers who do not successfully complete the training will be retained in a Patrol Officer role.

Benefits Overview

• Years of service credited for wage placement and vacation accrual.
• Participation in the Special Forces Pension Plan (SFPP), with pension transfer options available.
• 4-week experienced officer training program.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision care.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Health and Wellness Account.

Transitional Allowance

Due to the technical nature of this role and advanced training requirements, we are offering fully qualified candidates up to $35,000 as a transitional allowance, ensuring a smooth and rewarding transition to GPPS.

Wages

Rank Hourly Rate Yearly Salary

Constable 5 $37.69 $78,395.20

Constable 4 $40.48 $84,198.40

Constable 3 $46.06 $95,804.80

Constable 2 $51.64 $107,411.20

Constable 1 $55.83 $116,126.40

Sr. Cst I $59.74 $124,259.20

(7 yrs completed)

Sr. Cst II $60.86 $126,588.80

(11 yrs completed)

Closing Date

This posting will close July 14, 2025, with our experienced officer class starting in the fall of 2025

How to Apply

Other Information

• As an experienced officer, applicants must complete all recruitment steps, including:
• • A-PREP (physical fitness test).
  • Interview and background investigation.
  • Psychological evaluation.
  • Potential polygraph test.
• The GPPS does not have a Corporal rank.
• Certain application-related costs (e.g., vision/hearing exams, driver’s abstract) are at the applicant’s expense and are not reimbursed.
• If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].