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Graduation Day for new EPS recruits and canines

For Immediate Release: 12-Jun-2026 @ 10:00 AM
MRU #: 26R054

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) alongside the Lacombe Police Service (LPS), proudly celebrates the graduation of 34 officers, and two police canines from Recruit Training Class (RTC) 165. The graduating canines include Patrol Service Dog (PSD) Pablo, a three-year old Belgian Malinois and Human Remains Detection Dog (HRD) Kuma, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever. The ceremony will take place at City Hall on Friday, June 12, 2026, marking the successful completion of an intensive training program and the beginning of these recruits careers in law enforcement. 

The graduating class reflects the strength and diversity of the communities they will serve. Members of RTC 165 bring a wide range of professional and lived experiences, including backgrounds in law enforcement, the military, and skilled trades. While many recruits are from Alberta and across Canada, others join the EPS from countries including Brazil, China, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Throughout their training, the graduating members of this class have consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment, integrity, and resilience,” says Staff Sergeant Kendall Booth with the EPS Recruit Training Section. “We are proud to welcome them as they begin serving the community with compassion, dedication, and professionalism.” 

RTC 165 also demonstrated their strong commitment to the community by volunteering at several EPS and Edmonton Police Foundation (EPF) events, including the McCauley Cup, First Responders Half Marathon, Beeping Eggs Easter Egg Hunt, and the Special Olympics Alberta Polar Plunge. 

Recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for the sixth time, the EPS continues to emphasize hands-on, real-world training that extends beyond the classroom. This approach ensures recruits are well-prepared to respond to the complex needs of Edmonton’s diverse and vulnerable populations. 

In partnership with the EPS Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights Branch, recruitment efforts remain focused on strengthening relationships with diverse communities, including increased Indigenous engagement to raise awareness of policing as a career and strengthen trust. Initiatives such as Women in Policing, the Athlete to Officer Program, and Experienced Office Program, further support targeted recruitment efforts. 

With training complete, the new constables will begin field development with the Service’s Community Policing Bureau before returning for additional assessment and training to maximize their potential.

The EPS continues to evolve its recruitment practices to attract high-quality candidates. In late 2025, the Service introduced a requirement for applicants to complete and pass the Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test (APCAT) prior to submitting a formal online application, helping to improve applicant readiness and engagement early in the process. 

For more information about a career with EPS, please visit joinEPS.ca



 

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For media inquiries please contact the EPS Media Relations Unit at mediarelations@edmontonpolice.ca.