| ASSI Sponsors 2 Awards at the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Conference |
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Accident Support Services has been the sponsor of the OACP Community Policing Award for many years. We have seen some very worthy Services recognized for the extra efforts they have put forth in their communities. When ASSI President Steve Sanderson heard that the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police was initiating a new award the ”Community Mobilization Award”, Steve informed the OACP that Accident Support Services would be proud to sponsor this new award as well. The award recognizes the Police Service which best mobilizes their community to identify and deal with the significant issues which negatively impact both their community, and the policing of their community.
The Greater Sudbury Police Service was selected for the First Annual Community Mobilization Award for their efforts which significantly improved the relationship between the Police and the aboriginal community. Greater Sudbury Police Chief Ian Davidson, Sergeant Robert Thirkill and Constable Grant Dokis, along with leaders from the local Aboriginal Communities and government, recognized the very serious issues with Aboriginal youth that was putting the youth and the future of the community at risk. Together they addressed the issue, and developed a unique community partnership that became the Police Mkwa Opportunity Circle. Jointly they have focused on educating, guiding and mentoring Aboriginal youth in order to change the face of the community, and at the same time recruit more Aboriginal youth into the Sudbury Police Service. The project has grown beyond the community and has become part of the Ontario Police College’s Basic Recruit Program. Pictured above L-R Waterloo Regional Police Deputy Chief Matt Torigian on behalf of the Awards Committee, ASSI President Steve Sanderson, Constable Grant Dokis, Chief Ian Davidson, Verna Hardwick, Vince Pawis, Bonnie Depencier,, Staff Sergeant Rob Thirkill, and Nancy Cada |
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The Ottawa Police Service was awarded the Community Policing Award for their submission, “The Group Home Initiative’ which effectively reduced police calls for service to group homes by 34% in the first 6 months of the program! By bringing together an assembly that represented all involved stakeholders, Ottawa Police Sergeant George Lencewicz analyzed the calls, and determined the root causes of the calls made. The solutions that were put into place included clear communication channels between Group Home Operators, Police, and the Children’s Aid Society. The results not only brought about a reduction in calls for service, but also increased officer safety and created an ongoing and positive working relationship between Police, The Children’s Aid Society, and the Group Homes. This is having a very positive impact on the youth and the disadvantaged who are the Group Home residents.
Pictured above are Ottawa Police Deputy Chief Larry Hill, Sergeant George Lencewicz, Constable Susan Wright, ASSI President Steve Sanderson, and Waterloo Regional Police Deputy Chief Matt Torigian on behalf of the Awards Committee.
The award presentations take place each year at the OACP Annual Conference. The Hamilton Police Service was the host for the 2006 event. We are very pleased with the Award Committee’s choices and would like to congratulate both winners for the excellent work they have done in their communities! |
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