OACP Outstanding Liquor Enforcement Award

RECIPIENT:  Toronto Police Service

The OACP Outstanding Liquor Enforcement Award, sponsored by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario goes to the Toronto Police Service.

Centered on King Street West between University and Spadina, Toronto’s entertainment district features one of the largest concentrations of nightclubs in North America.  Policing this area, particularly late at night during busy weekends presented enormous challenges.  The strategy developed by the Toronto Police Service enhances public safety through zero tolerance enforcement and key partnerships with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, local business owners and residents. 

Early in 2007 the Last Drink Initiative was initiated in the Entertainment District, and later the entire city.  This proactive strategy employed education and enforcement, as officers followed up with establishments where persons arrested for public intoxication or impaired driving consumed alcohol prior to their arrest. 

The entertainment district was also identified as a high risk area and subject to heightened enforcement following the introduction of AGCO’s “Risk Based Licensing/Enforcement” protocols. Several Toronto Police Procedures were subsequently amended to allow for service-wide application of many of the 52 Division initiatives. As a result, specialized reports are now submitted in all cases involving impaired driving, over 80, refuse breath sample, as well as incidents involving violence or disorderly conduct at or in relation to a licenced premise.  Room for improvement was also acknowledged in the Service’s relationship with the AGCO.  As a result, Police Constable Buchanan was assigned as AGCO liaison, and has since enhanced relationships both within the service and with Provincial partners.  Deficiencies and solutions are quickly indentified and valuable intelligence information is now shared among many units in a timely fashion. 

These new policies have clearly enhanced the Service’s ability to deal with alcohol related issues, improve public safety and further strengthened the excellent working relationship with the AGCO.

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP Victims Assistance Committee Award

RECIPIENT: Hamilton’s Lean on Me program

The Victims Assistance Committee Award, sponsored by the Ministry of the Attorney General goes to the Hamilton’s Lean on Me program.

Created in 2006, Lean on Me resulted from the tireless advocacy of a group of family members of homicide, the Hamilton Police Service Victim Services Branch and the Hamilton Police Service in house charity Project Concern.  The goal was to provide more comprehensive services to family members of homicide.  Lean on Me is a not for profit corporation providing 12 week therapeutic support groups for families of homicide.  25 family members have been assisted through three twelve week programs facilitated by a paid therapist.  Lean on Me and Victim Services have also developed more comprehensive and user friendly resources for survivors.

With the support of Victim Services, Lean on Me has recently expanded to include a nourishment program for family members attending lengthy court proceedings.  In October of this year, Lean on Me will also host their first annual homicide conference, which will focus on understanding the needs of families of homicide victims.  This program is a great example of how a Police Service and Victim Services can work together with victims of crime to develop a sustainable and vital community service.

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP School Resources Officer Award of Excellence

RECIPIENT: Constable Peter Scandlan, Waterloo Regional Police Service

The School Resources Officer Award of Excellence, sponsored by Accident Support Services International Ltd. goes to Constable Peter Scandlan, Waterloo Regional Police Service

Goal Oriented And Holistic Educational Approach to Discipline, or GO AHEAD, is a holistic school-based police program designed to correct inappropriate behaviour of students in elementary school.  Through the program, students in grades 6 – 8 who would normally be suspended or expelled from school for inappropriate behaviour are now referred to police by school principals.  Students are given the opportunity to complete this confidence building program or partake in an alternative progressive disciplinary program pursuant to the Safe Schools Act.  The student, their parents or guardian and the officer must first agree to the conditions on the GO AHEAD contract.

The program runs two days per week, from 7:15 to 8:30 in the morning, involving physical fitness exercises, a healthy breakfast and an educational session.  Students participate in GO AHEAD for a period of time dependent on the length of their suspension.  By enabling students to stay in school, families have the ability to maintain their schedules and work commitments.  More importantly, students take ownership of both their behaviours and solutions and regain a sense of pride and belonging within the school community.   

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP Community Policing Award

RECIPIENT:  Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Alison Neighbourhood Community Centre – Cambridge Community Partners Group

The Community Policing Award, sponsored by Accident Support Services International Ltd. goes to Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Alison Neighbourhood Community Centre – Cambridge Community Partners Group.

In 2006, the Alison Neighbourhood located in the South Cambridge area of Waterloo Region was experiencing a growing challenge within the newcomer population.  The Waterloo Regional Police Service was alerted to an escalation in racially motivated violence targeting the Muslim Community.  A footpath tunnel underneath railway tracks was identified as a focal point for much of the violence.  Having suppressed the violence, police began a community mobilization initiative partnering with representatives from the Cambridge YMCA, the Alison Neighbourhood Community Centre, the City of Cambridge and leaders within the Muslim Community, including the Islamic Centre of Cambridge and the Cambridge Muslim Society, to problem-solve, improve relationships and build trust.  Other community partners, including Waterloo Regional Housing, soon joined and the Cambridge Community Partners Group held its first meeting in June of 2006.  Thanks to the continued commitment of the Cambridge Community Partners Group, representatives from the Sikh and the Native and Aboriginal communities are now participating in the Cambridge Community Partners Group sessions.

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP Traffic Safety Initiative of the Year  (<500 members)

RECIPIENT:  Sergeant John Ogrodnik, Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service - Project Lansdowne

The Traffic Safety Initiative of the Year, less than 500 members, sponsored by the Ministry of Transportation goes to Sergeant John Ogrodnik of the Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police for Project Lansdowne.

Sergeant John Ogrodnik leads leader of a 6-person traffic unit. Through analysis of collision statistics and Croms data, Lansdowne Street was identified as having 6 intersections in the top10 highest collision locations in Peterborough in 2008 and 2009.  Sgt Ogrodnik developed and actively participated in Project Lansdowne, which saw plainclothes traffic officers work with community patrol officers to enforce a zero tolerance approach to offenders. The media were also invited to participate in the project - a consistent media strategy provided the means to both educate the public and report on results. This sustained targeted police enforcement by Sergeant Ogrodnik and his traffic team, reinforced through the media and communicated largely through word-of-mouth, resulted in drastic improvements in traffic safety along Lansdowne Street.  Significant decreases in collisions, number of persons involved in accidents and total property damage proved that this initiative changed driving habits and made the Peterborough-Lakefield community a safer place.

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP Traffic Safety Initiative of the Year  (>500 members)

RECIPIENT:  Ontario Provincial Police, Middlesex County Detachment - Collision Prevention Through Environmental Design

The Traffic Safety Initiative, more than 500 members, sponsored by the Ministry of Transportation goes to Collision Prevention Through Environmental Design – OPP Middlesex County Detachment.

Historically, police have used enforcement and education to target poor drivers, while roadway design was traditionally the responsibility of engineers.  This project brought the police, engineers, road departments and the community together working towards the common goal of collision reduction.  The project adapted proven crime prevention strategies into an innovative new approach coined “Collision Prevention Through Environmental Design”.  The unique component in this project incorporated the environment into collision reduction, thus creating the “Four E” approach; Engineering, Education, Enforcement and the Environment.  By using environmental cues such as road signage, pavement markings, vegetation and plant placement, driver behaviour can be manipulated to create safer roadways.  In recognizing these collision ‘hot spots’, strategic, targeted enforcement can occur.  This multi-faced approach is key to the project’s success.  Through ongoing education, awareness and continued partnerships with local roads departments and transportation specialists, this program will continue to save lives on Ontario roadways.

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP Lifetime Achievement in Traffic Safety Award

RECIPIENT: Detective Sergeant Clifford Priest, Niagara Regional Police Service

The Lifetime Achievement in Traffic Safety, sponsored by the Ministry of Transportation goes to Detective Sergeant Clifford Priest of the Niagara Regional Police Service.

Clifford Priest joined the Niagara Regional Police Service in 1990, having previously served as a senior Sergeant in London, England.  He has dedicated over 20 of his 34 years in policing to traffic safety and is currently the officer-in-charge of Traffic Services in Niagara

In 1993 Cliff became one of the service’s first instructors on the Alcotest ASD and a year later was qualified as a breathalyzer technician.  In 1995, he was appointed Breath Program Coordinator and oversaw the Service’s conversion to the Intoxilyzer 5000C and all related policies, procedures and training.  In 1997 Cliff became Speed Management Coordinator and Lead RADAR/LIDAR instructor.  In 1999 Cliff became a member of the Collision Reconstruction Unit.  As a Level IV Collision Reconstructionist, Cliff has investigated 160 fatal motor vehicle collisions and an additional 160 serious personal injury collisions.

Cliff has been deemed an expert witness at various judiciary levels in numerous areas related to traffic and collision reconstruction.  As an investigator Cliff has been called upon to deal with numerous high-profile collisions that impacted traffic safety.  In 2007, Cliff’s outstanding work as a Collision Reconstructionist was recognized with a Chiefs of Police Award and he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  In 2009, Cliff’s contributions were recognized with the District Officer of the Year Award. 

Over the years, Cliff has taken the lead in the innovative use of enforcement to address community safety concerns.  Niagara’s “Back to School Program” has increased awareness and enforcement of traffic safety laws on the first day of each school year.  “Operation Road Worthy” addressed the correlation between motor vehicle collisions and unsafe vehicles.    For other projects Cliff used statistical information to target violators at predetermined times and locations.  As R.I.D.E. Program Coordinator in 2008, Cliff coordinated the “Largest R.I.D.E. Spot Check in Canada” at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie which involved 105 police officers from six police services. 

Cliff takes great pride in mentoring and teaching both officers and community members.  In addition to running a number of courses for officers, Cliff has lectured at Brock University and Niagara College. 

Cliff’s involvement in various committees has extended his ability to impact traffic safety issues.  He has served with a number of OACP and MTO Committees, the Ontario Traffic Council, the Speed Management Advisory Group, the Ontario Association of Police Motorcycle Instructors, the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition, the Niagara Injury Prevention Council and currently serves as Vice-President of the Niagara Region Police Association.

Sergeant Cliff Priest’s demonstrated commitment to enhancing public safety is second to none. 

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP Traffic Safety Award of Excellence

RECIPIENT:  Ms. Sheilagh Stewart, Ministry of the Attorney General

The OACP Traffic Safety Award of Excellence, sponsored by the Ministry of Transportation goes to Miss Sheilagh Stewart, Ministry of the Attorney General.

A graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sheilagh Stewart has been an Assistant Crown Attorney since 1984. During that time, she has held a number of progressive assignments within the Criminal Law Division.  Sheilagh speaks regularly to enforcement agencies, prosecutors and police on criminal and provincial offences, including the Criminal Code of Canada, the Provincial Offences Act, the Highway Traffic Act and the Contraventions Act. She has attended and presented at local, provincial, national and international law enforcement conferences and educational seminars. Sheilagh has developed particular expertise in driving offences and related provincial laws.  Sheilagh also sits on numerous committees regarding the Provincial Offences Act and related projects and initiatives, including the Law Commission of Ontario’s Project on the Modernization of the Provincial Offences Act. She is a member of a variety of provincial law enforcement committees, including the Provincial Speed Advisory Committee. The third edition of Sheilagh’s book - Stewart on Provincial Offences Procedure in Ontario - will soon be released, and she has published numerous papers on drinking and driving- related issues at the international level. In August 2010, Sheilagh travelled to Oslo, Norway to present papers at the International Conference of Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety.

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

OACP/OMRON Award of Excellence in Media Relations

RECIPIENT: Sergeant Douglas Pflug, Guelph Police Service

The OACP/OMRON Award of Excellent in Media Relations, sponsored by 680 News goes to Sergeant Douglas Pflug of the Guelph Police Service.

Over the last three years, Doug has devoted enormous time and energy to supporting the Service and the community through media relations. Doug has focused on fostering and promoting media relations to provide better community service through the release of relevant and timely information. Doug has a long list of successes, including service as a G-20 Mobile Media Officer, coordinating the “Fingerprints through Time” history book, a leadership role in organizing the Guelph Police Service’s 170th anniversary celebrations, implementing the use of social media platforms as a means of connecting with the community, establishing weekly "Guelph Police Update" spots with Rogers TV and securing $100,000 in funding over 10 years to support the "Restoring Family Values" series.

Please find attached the OACP Media Release.

Gimborn Scholarship

RECIPIENT: Staff Sergeant Rose Kucharuk, Chatham-Kent Police Service

Awarded in conjunction with the International Police Association, the Gimborn Scholarship is awarded annually to an Ontario police officer to travel to the IPA’s Conference Centre at Gimborn near Cologne, Germany and enroll in a one of the IPA’s specialized policing seminars.  The scholarship covers flight, accommodations, and seminar costs.

The recipient of the 4th Annual Gimborn Scholarship is Staff Sergeant Rose Kucharuk of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.

As the first female officer hired by a municipal police service in Kent County, Staff Sergeant Kucharuk began her policing career in 1987 with the Wallaceburg Police Service. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1995, she served as Vice-President of the Wallaceburg Police Association during the amalgamation process and the formation of the Chatham-Kent Police Service in 1998.

Rose was a member of the investigative team which handled the 3-year long investigation and successful prosecution of Mason Jenkins on charges of first degree murder.  She then served as Executive Officer to Chief John Kopinak, where she was instrumental in developing the first joint inclusive police/school protocol in Ontario. Returning to Community Patrol, she worked closely with East Side Pride, a community neighbourhood association, and during her subsequent posting as Court Sergeant, developed several new protocols enhancing Domestic Violence response and investigations, and the interaction with the Court process.

Another return to Community Patrol saw Rose working closely with Junior Achievement in delivering the first police/JA partnership program in Ontario, the Economics for Success School Program, which was aimed at grade 7 and 8 students.  A two year assignment in the Training and Professional Development Unit led to a partnership with the CK Women’s Centre and resulted in enhanced domestic violence education.  Rose also managed the Ministry of Youth and Children Services’ Youth in Policing Initiative, and implemented enhanced record-keeping processes for officer training records.

For the last 11 years, Rose has helped lead the CKPS Team in the annual MS Walk, raising over $41,000 to date for the treatment and research to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

Over the last 10 years, Rose continued with her post secondary education, achieving first a Diploma and then a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario.  She is also an accredited Police Professional with the Ontario Municipal Management Institute.  Last fall, Rose she was promoted to Staff Sergeant and is currently managing the Professional Standards Section of our Service.

Rose believes that a commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to adapt to change are the keys to a successful career, organization, and community.