Happy Holidays

It is hard to believe that another year has passed by so quickly. As 2011 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on my favorite IAWP event. The Annual Training Conference in Lexington proved to be another successful event. During the conference the United Nations held the first “all female” SAT (screening tests) and we welcomed several new affiliate organizations, including the UN Female Police Peacekeepers, to IAWP proving we are a growing organization on the international stage. For those who were not able to attend, I invite you to view photos on my blog and Chaplain Dow’s blog. Go to http://www.iawp.org/ and follow the links.

As I look ahead to 2012, IAWP has much to celebrate. I am very proud of the fact that Canada, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will be the country to host the 50th Annual IAWP Training Conference. Our friends in Region 11 have been busy putting the final touches on this event and I hope you will consider making the journey to be a part of it. Personally, I can hardly wait.

2012 is also an election year for IAWP. For anyone wishing to find out more about this process please feel free to contact me at sandramartin@winnipeg.ca.

I have enjoyed meeting new IAWP friends this past year and I look forward to meeting many more. I hope you all enjoy the best of this holiday season. For all of those officers who are working over the holidays, be safe.

Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year!

A Region 12 Challenge

Good morning everyone. Have you enjoyed your first (and maybe second) cup of coffee? Did you enjoy your morning toast with peanut butter and jelly (my fav!) or perhaps some cereal?

Here's a thought for you. I just checked in our Inspector Ballard's blog about her Saskatoon Food Bank Challenge. She has posed a very good question that made me stop and appreciate my breakfast. I challenge all of you to take some time to read her thoughts and answer her question "what does poverty look like to you?"


See her blog at http://foodbankchallenge.com/archives/category/inspector-saskatoon-police-service

Saskatoon Updates

Do you remember the two fabulous IAWP 2006 Conference Co-Directors? Both of these women have kept busy in the past 5 years, and don't show any signs of slowing down soon. Both have risen through the ranks since thier conference experience and both remain committed to the the Saskatoon community.

Inspector Shelley Ballard is taking part in the Saskatoon Food Bank Challenge this week. Starting today, a dozen Saskatoon citizens will be trying to live off the contents of a food basket from the food bank for one week. A typical food basket contains 2-3 days worth of food but many people make it last a week or more. In addition to the food basket we can use up to 5 pantry items (flour, sugar, coffee, etc.) and spend up to $5 on other food items. The goal is to raise awareness and start some meaningful discussions.

Shelley will be blogging about her experiences during this week. Please check with her updates at http://foodbankchallenge.com:80/archives/213.

And...it seems that somewhere in the past five years I have missed a promotion. Staff Sergeant Sue Grant (was Sergeant Grant during the 2006 Conference) of the Saskatoon Police Service has put her organizational skills to another test.

Staff Sergeant Grant has been working hard over the past couple years as the Project Liaison for our new Headquarters building which will be completed in 2013. The ground breaking ceremony in June was a very exciting day for Sue and things are going full speed ahead! Please see photo updates at http://www.police.saskatoon.sk.ca/index.php?loc=videos/hqsodturning.php.

I remember...

...exactly where I was the moment I heard the first news of the attack on the World Trade Center. I will never forget it.

It was day 2 of my first course at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. We had just started the first lecture of the day for the Collision Analysis Course. One of the instructors came running into the room and interrupted the instructor leading the current session and said "they just flew a plane into the World Trade Center." All 24 class participants got up and went into a small conference room where a television was set up. We sat in stunned silence and watched events unfold. Eventually, we returned to our class and resumed lectures. For many of us not directly tied to the city, we simply returned, as best we could, to the daily activities of our lives. Looking back now it is very surreal for me, even so far away from the direct impact of the attacks.

This morning I sat watching news feeds covering the 10th anniversary of 9/11. My 13 year old sat down and watched for a moment with me. She was only 2 years old when this happened so she asked me about the events of the day. I began to tell her, "there were two planes that struck the World Trade Center towers, then a plane that struck the Pentagon, then a plane that..."

I could not finish my story. I was simply overwhelmed with emotion and by the events of that day. More accurately, I am overwhelmed by the heroism of all the people directly involved these attacks.

I will finish the discussion with my daughter old some day. Because it is not only important that I remember what occurred on September 11, 2001, it is important that our future generations remember it as well. It truly is the day the world, as my generation knows it, changed forever.

Memories of Lexington

Another 1,900 kilometers and 23 hours and my fellow travellers, Cheryl and Andree, and I are safely back in Winnipeg. OH..by the way...did I remind you that Winnipeg will be host to the 2014 IAWP Annual Training Conference?! Cheryl, Andree and I were busy planning during our road trip and have lots to report back to our agencies and the rest of conference bid committee.

For now I would like to share just a few of the memories I have from Lexington.

Constable Yena Wong (far right in blue uniform) with new friends at the Annual IAWP Awards Luncheon. Yena, who is an officer with the Edmonton Police Service, is one of the Beverly Mclean Legacy Fund winners for 2011. When I spoke with Yena on the last day, she assured me she loved the conference and will be back again soon. However, this coming week, she is on her way to New York to participate in the World Police Fire Games. Good luck Yena!

Corporal Rhonda Seitz (left) and Constable Deanna Alford (right) pose after the awards lunch. Deanna is also a recipient of the Beverly McLean Legacy Fund for 2011. Deanna was busy at this conference taking in as much of the experience as she could. She and I crossed paths at many training sessions and she has even volunteered to assist with the revision of the IAWP Conference policy.

My new UN SAT friends Monica (left) and Kate (right) take a break in between testing procedures. Both passed the test with flying colors so I hope to see them back soon at an IAWP Conference as part of the UN Blue Beret Delegation!

Corporal Rhonda Seitz (left) and Constable Cynthia Buglass (right) at the awards luncheon. Cynthia is has taken in every IAWP Conference since 2000 in Toronto and always looks forward to visiting with old friend and making new ones. She is also a key player on TEAM WINNIPEG 2014.

Rhonda (seated left) and Vanessa (seated right) pose with two of our first visitors at the WINNIPEG 2104 booth. Anyone look familiar? Constable Rob Duttchen (standing left) of the Winnipeg Police Service and Paul Brown (standing right), who is retired from the Winnipeg Police Service, have been presenting at the past three IAWP Annual Training Conferences on the topic of Characteristics of Armed Persons. I sat in on the lecture last year in Minneapolis and can attest to the popularity of their presentation.

Region 3 Coordinator Donna Saucier (left), IAWP Chaplain Tamia Dow (center), and I had a brief time to chat and pose for a picture just before the start of the Parade of Nations.

Congratulations once again to the conference committee and the volunteers. Your hospitality and hard work will be remembered for a long time. Lexington is beautiful city!

Live from Lexington

Sorry folks....I am at least a day behind. That is because it has been so busy with so many good training session to attend and many more wonderful events to take in.

For example, yesterday afternoon we enjoyed another amazing IAWP Awards Luncheon. Congratulations to all award winners.




Sergeant Cheryl Larson, Constable Cynthia Buglass, Constable Rhonda Seitz, Constable Andree Huberdeau, Staff Gay Jones, Detective Sergeant Sandra Martin, Constable Jacque Lawford, Vanessa Chopyk, Sergeant Lisa Mandziak (from Left to Right) just after the awards luncheon.


Now...on to our big news! After a year of hard work Winnipeg 2014 has become a reality. The IAWP 2014 Conference bid team...aka TEAM WINNIPEG 2014 was successful in securing the IAWP Annual Training Conference for 2014. We can't wait to host all you in Winnipeg.

Vanessa Chopyk, Andree Huberdeau, Cheryl Larson, Rhonda Seitz (from Left to Right) at the start of the IAWP AGM. If you enjoyed the Maple Leafs check out our future conference booths for more treats like that.

Historic Connections with UN Police

One of the other things (beside promoting the 2014 Conference Bid) that has kept me busy was the UN SAT for international police peacekeeping missions. This is conference has seen the first all female SAT program.

After passing three language tests on Monday afternoon, I was allowed to proceed to the driving and shooting test early this morning. The photo above is me just about to start off for the first of two driving tests. Although it has been quite some time since I drove a standard transmission, I faired OK on the obstacle course. I then went on to pass my road test.

Passing the road test allowed all of the participants the opportunity to proceed to the next step. All of the applicants were required to field strip a Glock pistol and then reassemble it. IAWP Medal of Valor winner, Constable Kate Peplow showed exceptional skill in this area and was asked to demonstrate the test for local media.

For further details on the UN testing you will have to check out our next issue of Women Police. I will confirm that at this point in time I am not going to join a UN mission...but maybe sometime in the future. However, it was a very interesting experience.

It is hard to believe the week is almost over. All that is left the packing and farewells..until next year at this time.

Live from Lexington

The United Nations has played a significant role in making this an historic conference. It is truly remarkable to see the women police peacekeepers taking part in the parade, opening ceremonies and training sessions.

During the opening plenary session, Commissioner Ann-Marie Orler spoke of the monumental steps made by women during police peacekeeping missions. She is an inspiring speaker.

After the plenary session yesterday morning, I had an opportunity to meet and congratulate the very first recipient of the IAWP International Female Peacekeeper Award. Congratulations to Deputy Superintendent Shahzadi Gulfam of the Pakistan Police on her award. She is photographed here with IAWP Chaplain Tamia Dow.

LIve from Lexington

Wow...time flies by when you are having fun. And like every other IAWP Training Conference before, it has been lots of fun here in Lexington. Job well done to the Conference Committee!

But also like other conference, it is not all fun here. The training sessions are sure to offer many new insights and learning for everyone in attendance.

Constable Andree Huberdeau, one of TEAM WINNIPEG 2014, was seated in the audience early in the morning to here remarks during the opening plenary session.

Later in the afternoon, just after TEAM WINNIPEG 2014 set up shop to highlight all that we will offer in Winnipeg and Manitoba during the conference in 2014.

Live from Lexington - Parade Day

Breakfast before the opening Parade

The day started off...and stayed...hot and humid. But that did not dissuade the enthusiasm and energy at the Annual Parade of Nations. Following the parade, the opening ceremonies took place at the Lexington Opera House.

The days events continued in the afternoon with the Board of Directors attending a reception to commemorate the UN Police Peacekeepers Women's Network while conference delegates enjoyed an afternoon at the Kentucky Proud meet and greet.

There is no shortage of entertainment and hospitality here in Lexington. Tonight is no exception with the evening hospitality suite open right now as I type. The week is shaping up to be one great day after another.

More to report to you tomorrow....

Live from Leington

While the conference has not officially opened, it is actually day 2 of work for the IAWP Board of Directors/Trustees. And what a full agenda it was.....

Several items from the meeting agenda were tabled until today. I will not go into full detail as most of that will be discussed at Region meetings on Tuesday and the AGM on Wednesday. Even after a full day of meeting, the Board still made time for a some strategic planning led by our very own Region 12 member, IAWP First Vice President Margaret Shorter. I will provide you with some further insight on that tomorrow.

For me, today was very exciting. This morning, several members of TEAM WINNIPEG 2014 attended the Board of Directors/Trustee Meeting to present a bid to host the 52nd Annual Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 2014.

Team Winnipeg 2014 waits in the wings to present their bid.

Team Winnipeg 2014 was a big hit with their very fashionable Canadian scarves.



Constable Andree Huberdeau speaks about the importance of French Language programming in the 2014 Bid.

Team Winnipeg responds to questions about their bid for 2014.

At the end of the presentation, we were pleased to be informed that our bid had met the standards of policy 10 (IAWP Conference Policy) and so was approved to proceed for a vote at the Annual General Meeting. We hope that you will take some time before then to visit us at our booth during the conference trade show.

Well...another full day ended with wonderful time meeting and chatting with old and new friends at the first of several Lexington hospitality nights. Time for some sleep ....in anticipation of my one of my favorite IAWP events tomorrow...the annual Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremonies. I know it is going to be another great parade!

Good night from Lexington.

Live from Lexington

It's here...the 49th Annual International Association of Women Police Conference...in beuatiful bluegrass country.

We (me and two fellow members of TEAM WINNIPEG 2014) started off early Wednesday morning to head south. After fuelling up with our Canadian fav...Tim Hortons coffee...we were on our way. 1,900 kilometers and 23 hours later we arrived at the Hilton Downtown in Lexington, Kentucky.

After a quick breakfast and short nap to restore our energy levels, we headed out to explore downtown Lexington. We discovered this a city full of fabulous historic buildings and lots of activity.

Today, Friday, August 19, the Board of Directors work got underway at the late (AKA Fall) board meeting. We got through a full day of discussion on day one with lots more to follow tomorrow. Over the past two years of my work on this board, I have been amazed at the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, both at a conference and with the Board of Directors/Trustees. I am also continually amazed at the energy and dedication that my fellow board members bring to the table (and it is a big table this meeting!).

Now...about TEAM WINNIPEG 2014. We are very excited to be in Lexington this year to present at bid to host the IAWP Conference in 2014. Over the next few day I will introduce you to each of these women and tell you a bit more about our bid.

I will also fill you in about all of the great events going on this week. At this point I will start by simply saying JOB WELL DONE TO THE LEXINGTON CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS!! This is going to be another fabulous IAWP event.

Congratulations

On Friday, May 13, the Winnipeg Police Service hosted their 21st Annual Awards Day. This year, Sergeant Karen Timchuk of the Forensic Identification Unit was awarded the James Toal Award of Excellence for her outstanding contributions to police forensics and her community.

Also recieving an award this year was Patrol Sergeant Shelly Glover. She was awarded an Police Exemplary Service Medal in recognition of more than 20 years of dedicated service in policing.

Further Congratulations to Patrol Sergeant Glover, who is currently on a leave of absence from the WPS, for her success in the recent federal election. Shelly won her second term as a Member of Parliament this past May 2nd. Well done!

Also to be congratulated is several winners from the annual Ontario Women in Law Enforcement awards banquet. See all the highlights at www.owle.org. Also congratulations on this fabulous new website!

Please remember to send me your news and awards for inclusion on the blog.

Stay safe everyone!

Royal Security

I have been up and glued to my television since 3:30 a.m. I am a fan of the Royal Family and proud that Canada is part of the British Commonwealth so I could not resist watching.

It was a spectacular, and historic, event. But as I sat watching TV, surfing from channel to channel, I began to hear commentary of another historic proportion. 5,000 police officers were present for this event (many will still be on duty for many more long hours). Newscasters were using language like "professional", "monumental", "historic proportions" as the police on scene around London ensured the safety of the crowd, guests and the Royal Family.

One of the most amazing sites to see was the thin blue line of police officers leading the massive crowd toward Buckingham Palace. As the crowd neared the circle in front of the palace, that think blue line split with military precision and led the crowd calmly around and in toward the palace gates. It made me proud to be a police officer and hear one of Canada's top news person, Lisa LaFlamme, make special note of this.

It made me proud to be a police officer, knowing that their work did not go unnoticed. Well done to all of our British friends for a spectacular display of policing.

Unity Through a Critical Incident

The sad reality of police work is that we face injury and harm every day. None of us truly knows what each day will bring our way. The paradoxical reality of police work is that officers seize every opportunity to learn from each incident where we have faced harm or injury in order improve our tactics and mental preparedness for the after shock of it. That is the is the reality of learning from Critical Incident debriefings and Critical Incident Analysis. And that was the central discussion at the 8th Annual Winnipeg Police Service Policewomen's Network Conference. Constable Tammy Friestleben of the Minneapolis Police Department started the day off by describing her involvement in a police involved shooting in 2002. Tammy survived the shooting but another officer, Melissa Schimdt was fatally wounded. Several officers from the Winnipeg Police Service heard Tammy tell her story this past year at the 2010 IAWP Conference in Minneapolis and recommended Tammy as a speaker for this year's agenda in Winnipeg. Police involved shootings are less frequent in Canada than the United States, and police shootings involving a female are even more rare. Tammy's willingness to tell her story provided valuable insight and lessons for the 100 policewomen who attended. Also on the agenda this year were Sergeant Lisa Mandziak and Constable Belinda Duncan of the Winnipeg Police Service. Nearly ten ago, Lisa was acting the capacity of a Field Training Officer in the downtown division of Winnipeg. Along with her new recruit, Belinda, who was only into day 5 on the street, Lisa attended what she described as a typical domestic violence call. While the two officers began to take statements from the female victim and her new boyfriend, the ex boyfriend returned to the scene and attacked Lisa with a metal car club. Lisa was injured but struggled with the suspect. Belinda reacted immediately and eventually with the assistance of the two original victims, subdued the suspect and summoned backup. Both officers described how this experience helped them prove to themselves that could handle a critical incident. And, both have used the experience to train and mentor other officers on how to cope with the everyday reality of violence in our workplace. Lisa and Belinda's presentation tied in with a discussion with Monika Dyck of the Victim Services Unit, Manitoba Justice. Lisa's case was about to go to a plea bargain with the suspect when word of that deal made it's way back to the investigating officers. In response to concerns that this could have happened and the victim, in this case a police officer, was not even notified, Manitoba Justice amended the Victim Bill of Rights. Ms. Dyck explained that now, police officers in Manitoba can register as victims and will be updated on a regular and ongoing basis about the status of their case. Constable Jennifer McKinnon of the Winnipeg Police Service Forensic Identification Section also spoke at the conference. She described the procedures that are used to collect evidence from officers when they are involved in a critical incident. And finally the day was capped off with a presentation by Patrol Sergeant Ron Bilton of the Behavioural Health Unit who reinforced the necessity to use the experience of other officers to learn and improve our own capacity, both physically and mentally. Congratulations to the Policewomen's Network for another successful conference.

News from Manitoba

A big congratulations for a Manitoba Women who have recently been promoted.

RCMP Promotions

Gerry Kerr, who worked on the IAWP Conference Committee in Edmonton, has been promoted to the rank of Inspector. Inspector Kerr is leaving Manitoba to assume a position in Iqaluit. She is very excited about her new position and her new posting in this northern community.

For those of you in other regions who wish to learn more about Iqaluit, please view the city website at http://www.city.iqaluit.nu.ca/i18n/english/index.php. I am sure you will agree, with me that working in the north will be a unique experience to round out her already interesting career.


Record number of women promoted in the Winnipeg Police Service

This past week marked the end of the promotion period for the Winnipeg Police. I am thrilled to announce that there were a record 6 (out of 14) women promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Included in that group was IAWP Region 12 member Lisa Mandziak.

Sergeant Mandziak will assume leadership of a shift in downtown Winnipeg. She will also be one of the featured speakers at the Annual Winnipeg Police Service Policewomen's Network Conference on April 6th.

I am also hopeful some of the other newly promoted women will be taking part in the Annual IAWP Conference this coming year in Lexington.

Congratulations to all and please remember to send me news from your Province or Territory to include in the blog.

Stay safe!
Sandra

The Next 100 Years

Yesterday was March 8th, International Women's Day. It came and went, marking 100 years of achievements and gains in rights for women all over the world.

Today marks the start of the next 100 years. The start of more women officers on the front line. The start of more women climbing the ladder, into positions of management. It is the start of the next 100 years when more women take on executive roles and become Chief of Police.

Today marks the start of more women working in peace keeping missions, helping the United Nations achieve their goal of 20% female peace keepers in 2014.

Today marks the start of the next 100 years of the International Association of Women Police connecting women around the world in friendship and in leadership.

It all starts by reaching out to one new woman in your organization, making her feel welcome and that her work is appreciated.

It starts by never forgetting those who came before us, and worked hard for the benefits we enjoy today.

Or maybe it starts with nominating an officer who has shown dedication and commitment to excellence for one of the IAWP Annual Awards.

There is still so much to do, to achieve for women in law enforcement. I say we start right now...the next 100 years will pass quickly!

Lots of news from Vancouver Police Department

Chinese New Year begins each year on the new moon of the calender year and ends 15 days later. This year, Chinese New Year began on February 3rd. It is the Year of the Rabbit.

Up until 2006, the Vancouver Police Lion Dance Team, which takes part in the annual festivities, consisted only of officers. That was until IAWP own Maureen Ing became involved in the Lion Dance Band. Since she joined, Maureen has made a concerted effort to invite officers with children in hopes of more youth involvement in the future.

IAWP Region 12 member Maureen Ing with the VPD Lion Dance Band

Valentines Day is another special, yet very sombre, occasion on the streets of Vancouver. This past February 14 marked the 20th Annual Women's Memorial March which marks the death of women from the Downtown Eastside. Last year's event saw 5000 people turn out. This is the first year that the VPD has been invited to join the marchers.

For our IAWP friends from other regions, the Dowtown Eastside of Vancouver was made infamous by one of Canada's most horrific serial murders, Robert Pickton. He targeted vulnerable victims from this area of the city. Even though his crimes began years ago, he has only recently been brought to trial.

RIGHTing History...

I have had a recent, and very pleasant, conversation with Retired Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Carolyn Daley. She is more busy now than when she was in control of the Justice Institute of British Columbia training programs.

(Ret'd) Deputy Chief Daley is currently researching information about the "firsts" of many who have worked for the VPD. She enlisted the support of current VPD Chief Constable Chu and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police for this project. She has graciously shared some of her initial findings with me so check back here for further information.

She just keeps climbing the ladder...

There is an update on Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface (which is my riding), Shelly Glover. Shelly has just been appointed as the parliamentary secretary for finance. Shelly continues to round out her experience as a MP with this new assignment.



Shelly is currently on a leave of absence from the Winnipeg Police Service in order to work in government. For more on the story please see http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Manitoba-MP-Glover-gets-new-posting-114900239.html



Good luck with your new duties Shelly.



And also climbing the ladder this week is Winnipeg Police Service member Liz Pilcher. Liz was promoted to Inspector earlier this week, making her only the 5th female officer in Winnipeg to hold this rank.



Way to go Liz!



Please remember to send me promotion announcements from your agency for posting on the blog.



Coming Events



The Thrive Conference is in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada this year. The conference will take place May 5-6, 2011. For those of you interested in Asset Development as a Youth Crime Reduction Initiative this will be a worthwhile event.



See the website for further details.

http://www.thrivecanada.ca/section.asp?catid=139&subid=171&pageid=135

Did you make a New Year's Resolution?

We are already into the second week of 2011. Wow, how time flies by...

I have been a bit remiss in updating my blog but not to worry. That is one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2011. If you happen to cross paths with IAWP First President Margaret Shorter after you read this posting, please tell her that I have made SMART goals (not resolutions). That is more in keeping with the IAWP Strategic Planning lingo, which Margaret oversees.

So what do I resolve to do in 2011?

1. I am going to try very hard to update this blog on a regular basis. Please look for a new post every two weeks. I am going to go back to basics with a past feature of the Women Police Magazine by featuring one Region 12 member every month this year. So if I come asking for your bio please help me out with photos and tidbits about your work/life to include on the Region 12 Member Profile.

Please also continue to send me updates on awards, promotions and other news from your area of the region.

2. I am going to celebrate the achievements of women in law enforcement by encouraging everyone in Region 12 to nominate a friend or colleague for an award.

Please note that the IAWP now has an online award form which you can download at http://www.iawp.org/awards/annualawards.htm. I know we have some outstanding women in this region so please consider a nomination. I am willing to assist with researching and writing nominations if you require assistance.

In addition to the IAWP Awards, there are some awards to consider. The YWCA has opened its call for nomination in most Canadian cities for their annual Women of Distinction Awards.

And, in early February, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police will make the call for nominations to the Order of Merit of Police Officers. This is a very prestigious award handed out once a year at Government House in Ottawa.

Please check back here, or email me with suggestions, on other awards programs that are fitting for women in law enforcement.

3. I am going to begin sending out information packages to various law enforcement agencies in Region 12 in an effort to increase our IAWP membership. If you have a contact name that you think will benefit from IAWP please pass it along to me.


4. I am going to keep closer tabs on my fellow IAWP Bloggers. I recently visited the IAWP Blogs and saw that Region 11 Coordinator, Deputy Chief Leanne Fitch has now posted her second blog. Please take a look at http://www.iawp.org/regions/region11.htm. It looks fantastic!

5. I am going to register early for the 49th Annual IAWP Training Conference, Lexington, Kentucky, August 21-25, 2011. Information can be viewed at http://www.iawp2011.org/.

I am sure it will be another wonderful IAWP event!

It sure is shaping up to be a busy year. I look forward to our continued work in highlighting the work of all women in law enforcement.

Happy New Year All!