An image of a Community Peace Officer participating in the 2021 Cadet Grad Ceremony. (Photo provided by the Lethbridge Police Service)

By Justin Goulet

Recruitment underway for new Lethbridge Police Community Peace Officers

May 2, 2022 | 11:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is looking for new Community Peace Officers (CPO) to serve in the city.

The current hiring process opened in March and the LPS noted that it has received plenty of interest, but with some recent turnover, the service is looking to fill multiple positions.

CPO positions now fall under the collective agreement of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), giving them permanent employment status and many benefits, including an increase in wages and health and pension plans.

Cst. Allister Koop with the LPS Recruiting Unit said, “our CPO program is unique in Alberta. They have a wider range of authorities related to frontline police work that in other agencies, where they’re employed primarily for traffic enforcement and security roles.”

“The added benefits that come with joining the CUPE collective agreement just solidifies the package we’re able to offer candidates interested in working alongside our police officers to make a tangible difference in the community.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

The first CPOs hit the streets in Lethbridge in 2019. Officers conduct foot and vehicle patrol, monitor and maintain public and traffic safety within the authorities scope of authorities, and assist in the Arrest Processing Unit. Some of the daily activities include responding to calls for service such as mischief under $5,000, theft under $5,000, persons wanted on arrest warrants, disturbances, nuisance reports, panhandling, loitering, trespassing, public intoxication, noise complaints, traffic offences and collisions.

The LPS stated that adding CPOs to the frontline has increased community engagement and helped free up police to focus on more complex investigations.

The deadline for interested candidates to submit their application is May 15, 2022. More information is available at the Lethbridge Police Service website.