Grande Prairie police say they’re stepping up efforts to combat human trafficking through a new partnership aimed at increasing awareness and strengthening response efforts in the region and beyond.
In a media release sent Tuesday, the Grande Prairie Police Service announced it is working with #NotInMyCity, a national organization focused on ending sexual exploitation and trafficking in Canada.
The initiative will see both sworn officers and civilian staff take part in specialized training designed to help identify signs of human trafficking, along with expanded awareness efforts within the organization and the broader community.
Police Chief Dwayne Lakusta says the issue remains a growing concern locally and across the country, requiring coordination between law enforcement and community partners.
“Addressing it requires strong collaboration… to increase awareness, strengthen early intervention, and improve our collective response to support those affected by exploitation,” Lakusta said in the release.
Founded by country music artist Paul Brandt, #NotInMyCity works with communities across Canada to raise awareness and push for action against trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
Brandt welcomed the partnership, calling it part of a broader effort to send a clear message that exploitation will not be tolerated.
According to the police service, human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, with the vast majority of reported victims trafficked within the country.
Officials say many cases go unreported due to fear, manipulation, or mistrust of authorities, making awareness and early detection critical.
Members of the public are being encouraged to learn more through a free online course offered by the organization as part of the awareness campaign.