LAC LA BICHE - Recently approving a million dollar expansion plan for the Law Enforcement Training program that has run in conjunction with the municipal Enforcement Service department, Lac La Biche County councillors are now setting the course to let the program stand on its own. Council recently approved a five-year business plan for the program and appointed a new boss who is already familiar with local law enforcement.
Chris Clark started his role as the Director of Training at the Law Enforcement Training Program on May 23. Clark had been the long-serving manager of the Lac La Biche County's Enforcement Services department. Clark, a former RCMP officer, was expected to be leaving the community to take on the role of managing a municipal policing service in central Alberta, but instead chose to continue with the local program that he helped to create just three years ago.
"Training is a passion of mine and what we have done here in Lac La Biche is like nothing else," said Clark, who will retain his peace officer designation as Superintendent-2. "I see our training program growing exponentially over the next two to five years. We started in 2020 with training a handful of people. Now in 2022 we trained just over 300."
The increase in enrolment has resulted in an increase in resources. After municipal officials recently approved a million dollar upgrade and expansion plan for the program, two new training officers were hired, and discussions are underway to expand current programming areas.
"We are also adding scenario-based training rooms and will need to purchase more equipment to meet the demand. We are also going to have to look at the current firearms range and an area to construct an vehicle driving track that will include multi uses," said Clark, explaining that the Lac La Biche program is unique because despite being based in a small, rural community, it offers almost all the components needed for most law enforcement certifications.
"In 2023 we had Alberta Environment Enforcement Branch and the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy (WCLEA) move their training here. Currently, as of today there are 77 law enforcement recruits in training who are calling Lac La Biche home. The WCLEA recruits come from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the territories," said Clark. "Our program and area is attractive because we have done something that no one else ever has in a community this size — where almost all the components of training can easily take place. There's little travel between sites and we have been very successful in our early stages."
For such a small community to have such a large attraction also draws attention from those looking at costs. Clark is aware that the relatively new program is under a public microscope, and he understands the concerns. He says the funding and expenses are taken very seriously.
"We are carefully planning our moves and spending to ensure we maximize our dollars," he said, explaining that the program has already generated profits. He said the goal is to have the program operate as its own revenue-generating business unit within the municipality
The Law Enforcement Training Program involves partners like Portage College and Alberta Justice. Clark said those connections are also reasons for the success in just a few short years.
"Our success here shows, and our partnerships and drive to work together is huge," he said.
With the approval of the program's business plan going forward, and more students expected to be registering, more hiring will also be needed.
"We are also seeking an administrative assistant and also a coordinator position to help grow the program and make sure we stay as industry leaders," said Clark, explaining that the growing project is another draw for the community and the region. "This is a huge step for Lac La Biche, and something we need to be proud of."
