How the time flies...

...when you are enjoying yourself!

The First Women Police Conference 2012 in Abu Dhabi wrapped up yesterday. Everyone involved in this event, organizers, sponsors, trainers and staff should be very proud of this event. This was on a level equal to any of the Annual IAWP Training Conference I have attended. And many of the Board of Directors/Board of Trustees who are here will agree with me.

I took in more excellent training sessions on Day 2. The first, as you see below, was on strategic leadership. The room was full of people and energy and we all took away good tips for our personal leadership development.



Mylan Masson (left) me and Deb Friedl (right) were seated early for the strategic leadership session so that we did not miss anything. I have enjoyed talking with Mylan this week and hearing about her previous IAWP trip to this area in 1998. This conference represents an enormous shift in opportunities for women according to Mylan.



A conference delegate (left) asks questions after the presentation. It is always a good sign that questions flow after the formal part of the session. Clearly, the learning had just begun.

The second session of the day for me was Interpol, presented by a Colonel with the Abu Dhabi Police.

Abu Dhabi is one of 190 member countries to Interpol. Interestingly, I have never previously had the opportunity to learn about Interpol so I took lots of information away from this session. For instance, Interpol maintains a DNA Gateway (database) and Abu Dhabi is the country in the middle east that is connected to it.

Margaret Shorter has also been busy this week. Not only has she taken in many sessions here, but she was assigned more formal duties such as attending government meetings. That beautiful red serge had lots of use of this week. She did enjoy more "casual" dress for Day 2 though.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Abu Dhabi Police and to the conference organizers Amnah and Steph! This was a fantastic event and I look forward to IAWP events in this area!

Abu Dhabi at night

Both photos - Emirates Palace Hotel

More alike than I knew...

I woke up this morning to discover that there has been a storm here in UAE, not unlike what happens during the winter at home. Winds were high, people were having trouble getting around and the visibility was poor. Sound like something you have seen before? The big difference here in UAE was it was not snow causing those issues, it was sand being wipped around during a seasonal sand storm. All over now and in reality the problem were more severe over in Dubai than Abu Dhabi.

The other notable similarity between here and other IAWP events is how hard the conference co-directors, Amnah and Step (below) have been working to ensure everything goes as planned. Well...at least as close to the plan as possible (as most past and present IAWP conference can atest). I can assure you that everything has been perfect!

Myra and I took time out again today to pose with various officers from the Abu Dhabi police. Many women stopped by the IAWP display to fill out membership forms and ask questions about the type of work that women in policing in Canada do. Myra will be leading a group of IAWP members in a workshop tomorrow that will cover all that. Check back here for details on that.

I was able to take in a few of the presentations here. Translation services are offered so it was quite easy to follow this Lieutenant with the Abu Dhabi police as he discussed the challenges and success of the UAE to combat Human Trafficking. There were some striking similarities to issues I hear at home. For instance, organized crime has a strong foot hold in human trafficking here just like Canada. As well, inter agency cooperation and, in fact, international cooperation is not as coordinated as it should be. This officer made the point that the criminals sometimes are more adept and adapt to conditions faster than police. True sometimes but it made me stop and think of the achievement we at IAWP have made to create international in-roads...like this conference.

Abu Dhabi is proud of the fact that they are the first Arab State to create legislation around Human Trafficking. Federal Law 51 is intended to create services as well as investigative tools to combat this crime.

I am certainly looking forward to Day 2 at the First Women Police Conference 2012 in Abu Dhabi.

Opening Ceremony ...New Horizon for Future

The First Women Police Conference 2012 in Abu Dhabi got underway today with the Opening Ceremony at the Emirates Palace Hotel. I can hardly describe the awesome sight of women police from all over the Gulf States sitting in the opulent auditorium of this hotel. It was truly breath taking. Myra (left), Margaret (right) and I (center) enjoyed every moment of this event.


Margaret was a star attraction in her beautiful red serge. Media and officers attending this event lined up to get a photograph of her. The photograph below features Margaret with women officers of the Abu Dhabi Police, who had equally beautiful uniforms.


Myra (center) and Carol Thomas (left) also took time to pose for photos with an officer from Abu Dhabi Police.

Conference Banners were displayed all over the hotel. Here, Myra and I (center) pose with conference delegates along with Donna Saucier (right) from Region 3.

Outside the Emirate Palace Hotel the view is quite spectacular. The two photos here do not do justice to the magnificant view of this location.

Today was more than photo ops though. It was about changing perceptions of the role women play in security and police operations throughout the middle east. For example, according to officials here in UAE, the establishment of the Emirate Women Police Association is considered a great achievement for all of government, not just for women. According to the President of the Emirate Women Police Association, Amnah Mohamed, efforts to empower women police demonstrate a clear vision to moderize the country.

I also learned that Jordan has over 3,000 women in policing occupying jobs in traffic, forensics, VIP security and training. Jordan was also one of the first countries to place women in UN forces to aid in peacekeeping missions.

In Oman women have served with police forces since the 1970's. Over time the number of women has increased in numbers and the same applied to the variety of duties they perform. Currently women are involved in investigations, air unit, training and Secure Forces to protect female VIPs.

As the week progresses, I look forward to expanding my own understanding of the unique culture and work experiences of these women. I can not say it enough...it is an honour to be here for this first ever conference in the United Arab Emirates.

History begins

For many members of the IAWP Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, the journey to create history began earlier this week. We have come from the UK, USA, Australia and Canada to celebrate and take part in the first Emirates Women Police Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.



I was exploring the hotel this morning and came across the conference banner. I found another tourist to snap my picture. I am honoured to be here and take part in this event and want to capture as much of it as I can for you.

IAWP Treasurer Kim Covert was also exploring the hotel.

After breakfast, Steph Harding briefed the group on protocols for the conference and reviewed the agenda. Steph has been instrumental in making this event a reality. She has advised us the women officers will be attending from Jordan, Qatar, Iraq and Oman. Abu Dhabi Police are leading efforts to improve the working conditions for all women in the Gulf States.

After our briefing, I finally had time to pose with my favorite M&Ms, Margaret and Myra. All three of us well rested and ready to take on the rest of the week here in Abu Dhabi so be sure to check back later for further updates!

Question for all of you...

Photo taken at Opening Ceremony, IAWP 2011 conference in Lexington, Kentucky

Besides the fact that officers from each police agency always have delegates at the Annual IAWP Training Conference, what do the the Winnipeg Police Service and Trinidad and Tobago Police have in common?

Both police agencies have worked under the command of Jack Ewatski. Chief Ewatski retired from the Winnipeg Police Service and left for the warmer climate of the Caribbean in 2010. He is now one of three Deputy Commissioner with the national police in T&T.

Winnipeg Winter Wonderland

It is beautiful days like today that makes me wish I could host an IAWP conference in the winter. Today our city woke up to a spectacular covering of frost on the trees that literally sparkles in the sunlight. To add to the experience we are experiencing above average seasonal temperatures so a walk outside is very pleasant. It is only -2 degrees Celsius today!

Well...if I can not bring all of our IAWP friends from warmer regions to winter, then I will do the best I can to share some of it with you with my camera.

Now to share my news with you. These pictures are taken inside of Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park. Inside of this park is the Assiniboine Park Zoo and the home to a new "Journey to Churchill Polar Bear Exhibit" that will open in 2013.

If you are planning to come to Winnipeg in 2014, this exhibit will be worth the trip!

By the way, this photo (above) is the Assiniboine Park Pavilion. And it happens to be only 500 meters from my office! I work at an office in the park! How many people could be that lucky?

Happy February everyone!

New Year...New Beginnings...

Happy New Year everyone!

It gives me great pleasure to announce the retirement of two pioneering women in policing here in Manitoba.

After 34 years, Sergeant Carol Fisher of the Brandon Police Service retired on January 11, 2012. Sergeant Fisher was the first female officer hired to police the city streets in Brandon. Look for more details about Carol's career in an upcoming edition of Women Police.

Superintendent Corrine Scott of the Winnipeg Police Service will retire from policing on January 19, 2012. Corrine is moving on to a new role with the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission. Corrine's career has spanned more than 31 years.

Retirement is the beginning of new life adventures and we wish both of you much success in whatever that adventure is!

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.