IAWP in Durban

As of today most members of the Board of Directors have arrived in Durban.  Meetings are already planned for tonight and the entire board will begin the two meeting tomorrow at the SAPS Police Academy.

I have also seen IAWP delegates arriving and getting settled in.  In only two more days, we will begin another historic journey forward when the Parade of Nations kicks off the conference.

Today I also had a long talk with Julia Jaeger, IAWP Region 13 Coordinator and IAWP 2015 Conference Co-Director.  Based on my talks, I can guarantee that you will want be in Cardiff, Wales to take in that conference.

Speaking of conferences...have you checked out the IAWP 2014 website lately?  The online registration is now live and we have some conference updates for the conference in Winnipeg. 

Check us out at www.iawp2014.org

It is sunny and warm in Durban!

By now most delegates are making thier journey to Durban, South Africa for the IAWP 2013 Training Conference.  I am confident this is going to be another momentus occassion for IAWP. 

 

I thought I would start off by giving you a view of the hotel and conference center.  Be sure to keep checking my blog for more pictures and updates throughout the week.

 

Below is the Durban ICC (International Convention Center) where the conference training sessions will take place.  The ICC is located just outside the doors of the Hilton Hotel.

 

 

This is a view along the street alongside the ICC.

 

It appears our hosts, South African Police Service (SAPS), are busy preparing for the conference.  Yesterday and early this morning SAPS vehicles have been coming and going.  A sure sign of final preparations!

 

A view of the ICC from the Hilton Hotel.

 

For the third day in a row it is sunny and warm in Durban.  The beach is a short ten minute walk from the hotel.  I plan to enjoy the view along the board walk with my IAWP 2014 committee who have now arrived. 

 

|Only 4 days to go!

It's been an AMAZING Summer!

IAWP 2013 Approaching

Once again the summer has come and gone quickly.  I hope you have all had a chance to enjoy some vacation time...or maybe you are saving that up to head to Durban, South Africa for the IAWP 2013 Conference?  Only 16 days to go!

If you are not travelling to Durban please be sure to check back in here during the conference week (September 22-26) to see updates and photos. I promise to keep you up to date on this great event.

Until we meet in South Africa here is a snap shot of what has been going in Region 12 over the past few months...

AMAZING RACE Canada in Vancouver 

In July, the AMAZING RACE Canada started off on the west coast and took a tour through Vancouver.  Region 12 member Maureen Ing took part in this show (featured below) as a member of the Vancouver Police Lion Dance. 

The full video can be viewed on You Tube at AMAZING RACE Canada, Episode 2.

Canadian Association of Chief's of Police (CACP), Winnipeg 2013

IAWP 2014 hosted an informational booth during the two trade show at the CACP Conference which was held in Winnipeg, August 18-21, 2013.  Not only was this a great opportunity for us to promote IAWP and IAWP 2014, it proved to be a great opportunity to catch up with IAWP friends.  Chief Leanne Fitch stopped by to say hello and so did Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy (RCMP).

Congratulations to Deputy Chief Shelley Hart, CACP 2013 Conference Chair, and her committee for an excellent conference.

Also congratulations to Assistant Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr who has taken over command of Saskatchewan and becomes one of the highest ranking RCMP women in Canada.  Brenda was in Winnipeg for the CACP conference just before her appointment took effect. 
http://nationtalk.ca/story/assembly-of-first-nations-welcomes-appointment-of-new-rcmp-commanding-officer-for-saskatchewan-brenda-butterworth-carr/

Zumba in support of IAWP 2014

IAWP 2014 hosted Zumba in the Club this past Friday, June 7 here in Winnipeg.  The event was an overwhelming success so I think that you can expect to see some of these instructors while you are here in Winnipeg for the 52nd Annual IAWP Conference.

Organizers setting up for Silent Auction

Lana Maidmont gets ready for the Zumba.  A special thanks to Lana and her crew of instructors for the donation of time and energy for this event!

And the fun begins!

Our energetic guests!  Some of these women did Zumba for over 2 hours.

A final thanks to the Zumba instructors featured here.  This was the best (and most fun) workout I had in long time. 

A very special thanks to the organizing committee.   All of your efforts are sure to help make IAWP 2014 a great event!

Be sure to check back to the IAWP homepage soon.  Our IAWP 2014 conference website is set to launch in the coming weeks.  We will have updates on our program and special events and tell you all about our plans for Durban, South Africa.  See you all soon!

Region 17 - Crime: Working toward a solution

 

Congratulations to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the T&T Policewomen Association and IAWP Region 17 members for an outstanding conference!  Delegates came from all over the Caribbean, including places like Curacao, Antigua, Barbuda, Bahamas, Nevis, and Barbados.  IAWP well represented by members from Region 16 (photo below) all the way from Abu Dhabi and Region 12 (Winnipeg).

 

 

Patsy Joseph and Ann Marie Alleyne took a short break to pose for a photo.  Both of these ladies worked tirelessly to ensure that delegates enjoyed the conference and took every opportunity to make connections with other officers. 

 

On behalf of Region 12 I would like to congratulate Ann Marie who is the first female police officer promoted to the rank of Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police.  This promotion took effect shortly after the conference.

Fabian, Step and Tamia took a rotation at the IAWP membership table where over 77 new members signed up during the two day conference.  Region 17 now boasts the largest regional membership in IAWP.  With 300 delegates at the conference, the word about the IAWP is sure to continue spreading.

 

 

IAWP Board members pose for a photo (below) before the panel presentation about IAWP membership benefits. 

 

 

The two day conference in Port of Spain wrapped up with an award ceremony to recognize the many accomplishments of women around the region.  IAWP President Jane Townsley (below right) is always pleased to take part in these ceremonies.  Here she is presenting a long service award to an officer who has dedicated 41 years to policing!

 

 

IAWP Chaplain Tamia Dow (below right) is featured with Trinidad and Tobago Police ACP Pasty Joseph with the Ann Duncan Award.  Ann's husband Roland and her niece were in the audience to take part in the award ceremony.  A proud moment for everyone involved!

 

 

I took part in several training presentations during the two conference, which included topics on prison programs for women, domestic violence, career planning and advancement, and victim based approaches to crime.  As with every other IAWP event I have attended, the discussion was lively, the learning was rich, and the connections to other women memorable!  Be sure to watch for more from Region 17...possibly an IAWP Annual Training Conference. 

 

 

Historic Trinidad and Tobago

Once again IAWP makes history.  Our meeting in T&T represents the first time the board has travelled to Region 17 as a group. 

No one is more happy to see IAWP here than Patsy Joseph (photo below).  Patsy has been instrumental in arranging the conference, Monday and Tuesday, and showing off her beautiful country.  Here Patsy gets us all ready for our tour to Pitch Lake.

One of the two tour guides at Pitch Lake, Cyril, shows off the various stages of "pitch" to IAWP board members and conference delegates.  It was a hot and interesting tour.

Later in the day, post tour of Pitch Lake, we were provided with lunch at one of the many T&T police buildings.  Many thanks to the T&T police for hosting our meetings, providing the support to our Region 17 members and to hosting the conference.  Look for further updates on the support from IAWP President Jane Townsley via her Twitter account.

Last night, actually day 2 in Trinidad for many BOD and conference delegates, the T&T Police hosted a Welcome Reception.  Acting Police Commissioner (photo below) Mervyn Richardson addressed the audience and welcomed us to the country.  In his words "the story of one police officer is the story of all police officers" and he is committed to the stories of the women police in T&T.

And of course the work of the BOD is important and the reason we are here.  Our meetings began yesterday at the T&T Police Training Academy.  This is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the city.  It is wonderful venue for our work.

In between the formal work items, BOD members take time to discuss ongoing issues and catch up on IAWP work around the world.

Unfortunately I did not know Anne Duncan personally.  But I do know that it was her dream that IAWP visit here one day.  IAWP Region 17 Coordinator, Anne Marie, and many others (Patsy and Odette!) have worked very hard to make Anne's dream a reality.  And for that...I am once again proud to be part of that dream, the history and IAWP!

Be sure to check back for more updates

Honouring Heroes

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Joy Smith Foundation Gala in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  You may recall Joy Smith from the 50th Annual IAWP Conference in St. John's, Newfoundland where she presented on the topic of Human Trafficking.  She is a fierce advocate for victims and her foundation was established to aid in training for law enforcement, advocacy for victims, and awareness of the crimes associated to Human Trafficking.

During the gala event, Joy Smith honoured several heroes who have worked to combat this issue.  Among the Heroes was Inspector Gerry Kerr of the RCMP (Nunavut) who worked on a video depicting the impact of this crime on the victims.  Also honoured were Inspector Gord Perrier and Detective Sergeant Shawna Neufeld of the Winnipeg Police Service for their work to return two children who had been abducted and taken to Mexico.

Please see more on Joy Smith and her foundation in the article below.
http://www.joysmithfoundation.com/notices_detail.asp?notice_ID=223

Bullying

Yesterday, April 10th, I had the good fortune to be invited to attend a morning work shop on bullying in the workplace.  Here in Manitoba there have been recent changes to our Workplace Health and Safety Legislation to expand the definitions of prohibited workplace behaviours that could be considered harassment.  The second aspect of the presentation focused on work place bullying and the effects on employees and the employer (wide implications for the business or organization). 

One of the most telling bits of information that I took away from the presentation is that research indicates that at one point in time we have all most likely been bully or have been the target of the bully.    The thought that I have likely at one point been a bully jarred me.  But it gave me pause to reflect (which was the point of the workshop!) and agree that "yes" I have at time displayed behaviours which are not reflective of who I want to be as a police officer, a supervisor, or most importantly as a person. 

It takes dedicated and conscious effort to be on our best behaviour at all times.  The workshop yesterday reminded me of this.  I began my post workshop commitment to strive toward being a person who stands up against bullying by doing some online reading.  I hope you have time to read a few of the links I have provided here and make the commitment as well.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Bullying_Day

http://www.dayofpink.org/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ns-cabinet-and-public-concern-drive-call-to-reopen-case-of-bullied-teen/article11033039/

www.workplacebullying.org

www.mobbing.ca

www.pipsc.ca

Awards and Kudos

Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee year is now over but her Diamond Jubilee Awards have lived on into 2013.  Several members from the Winnipeg Police Service received a Diamond Jubilee Medal at a ceremony in February.

Congratulations to Senior Police Communications Operator Penny Kennedy, Patrol Sergeant Kathy Antymis, Constable Helen Peters and Patrol Sergeant Edith Turner for receiving this prestigious award.  These are truly outstanding women in law enforcement!

Speaking of Edith....

Congratulations to Edith Turner who has also been nominated for a 2013 YWCA Women of Distinction Award here in Winnipeg.  I will be at the May 1 Gala to cheer loud and proud when her name is called!

I also want to offer huge KUDOS to members of the IAWP 2014 Conference Committee, Lana Bouroughs and Michelle Roch, who have recently been promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant.  The promotions take place April 21, 2013.  Best wishes in your new roles. 

When will I be a veteran?

IAWP First Vice President Margaret Shorter posed for one last "official" photo wearing her red serge last March in Dhaka.  She is now retired from the RCMP and has embarked on the next chapter of her life by returning to university.  Below is a excerpt from a recent project.  

I had decided that June 21, 2012, would be the day I formally retired from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was then that I began to think about being “a veteran”. I had already grappled with the association of aging with the word ‘retirement’ and I was pretty sure that veterans were even older than that. Other than my retired RCMP father, veterans had survived world wars. I could see them in my mind’s eye standing, or sitting in wheelchairs, at cenotaphs on November 11th each year on Remembrance Day —and there had never been any women in those images!


One of the earliest strategies I implemented to help me adjust to my anticipated life as an ex-member of the RCMP was to enroll in a Master’s Degree Program at Royal Roads University. I did this one year prior to my retirement date knowing that, once retired, I would be free to devote my full time to my studies in the second and final year of the Program. One of the things I enjoyed about going back to school as an adult was that it gave me complete control over what I chose to study. Moreover, at the post-graduate level, the focus is on research and one can study whatever one is interested in, curious about, or compelled to investigate. I concentrated on packing and planning the requisite “retirement party”.

As I worked my way through the paperwork toward official retirement, I began to experience some trepidation about life without my RCMP family and what it would mean to be a veteran police officer. Where were the female Mounties who had retired before me? I had nobody to ask but I did remember that one of them had written a book titled The Red Wall: A Woman in the RCMP. Its author, Jane Hall, was not only a veteran of the Force she was a member of the Vancouver Chapter of the RCMP Veterans’ Association and a member of its Board of Directors.

Jane and I met in January this year at a special veterans’ tour of the new ‘E’ Division RCMP Headquarters in Surrey, B.C. As I had learned from her book, Jane is a fundamentally positive person, fair, encouraging, and full of ideas. From the moment we connected, Jane was open to my research question on becoming a female police veteran. Our collaboration has resulted in a profile interview to be published in the Spring 2013 edition of WomenPolice magazine, the official publication of the International Association of Women Police (IAWP). An audio version of the interview can be heard on Jane’s new website, www.redwalljanehall.com. It can also be accessed from the IAWP website, www.iawp.org , and from the website of the Vancouver Chapter of the RCMP Veterans’ Association at www.rcmpveteransvancouver.com .

One of the things I have learned in life is that knowledge has more power when it is shared. Jane and I hope you enjoy our interview conversation. Going back to Depot; through the early days of women in operational policing and the changes in Canadian society; to the challenges of today’s leadership, it reflects our experiences as women in the RCMP—both as serving officers and as veterans. Please connect with others and share your thoughts.

How the times are changing



The original concept behind hosting "Forces of Fashion" on International Women's Day 2013 was that our progression as women in law enforcement can be visually illustrated by the changes in our uniforms.  You be the judge!

 

 

 

When women were originally hired into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, it was not permitted for a woman to wear the iconic Stetson Hat.  She was issued a fur hat (held by officer on far right) or the pill box style hat featured second from the right.  Officers now (center and to the left) proudly wear the same uniforms as male officers, including the beautiful Red Serge and Stetson.

 

 

 

The Winnipeg Police Service did issue uniforms to women before some of the other police agencies in Canada.  However, working in skirt and low pump was not very practical for front line work.  It was not until 1974 that women in the WPS were given pants and the same uniforms as males.  Now we enjoy proper fitting tactical vest and street uniforms (officer on right) as male officers. 

Proud officers of the Dakota Ojiway Police Service in Manitoba are provided with uniforms for daily work (right) and for ceremonial occasions (left).  These women travelled over two hours, along with the Chief of the DOPS, Chief Paulson, to take part in the display of uniforms. 

One of my favorite and most proud IAWP moments is the Annual Parade of Nations because of the many uniforms on display.  Watching all of the law enforcement officers, federal corrections, provincial corrections, Brandon Police Service, and all the agencies named above, was a true IAWP Proud moment for me!

Please see your next copy of Women Police for further pictures of the Brandon Police Service and more about this event.

International Women's Day 2013

 

 

 

Genie Valdez, RCMP D Division and Project Manager for IAWP 2014 tweets are Forces of Fashion rehearsal takes place.  Our conference committee is fully informed on all issues thanks to Genie's diligent work at coordinating meetings and overseeing time lines.

 

The full display of uniforms from the Winnipeg Police, Brandon Police, RCMP, Federal Corrections,  and Dakota Ojibwa Police will be a site to see!  I can't give away too much just yet ... these are just some "previews" form the dress rehearsal last night.

 

Police and civilian members from all the IAWP 2014 host agencies came together as models to make this event happen.  Here, the group waits to filter out into the main area of the atrium at the University of Winnipeg Richardson Complex for Sciences.

 

 

Thank you to all our sponsors for this event:

 

The Hudson's Bay Company (Downtown)

Salon 111 (formerly Sets on Fort)

Northwest Law Enforcement Academy

Legacy Bowes Group (IAWP 2014 sponsor and advisor)

Winnipeg Police Museum

University of Winnipeg Diversity Services

Avenue 4 (Print and Marketing Sponsor IAWP 2014)

 

 

I would also like to thank many senior officers who purchased tickets for "future women in law enforcement".

 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for highlights and see your next issue of Women Police.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forces of Fashion

Inspector Keeping (RCMP), Constable Chanel, Constable Lawford (Brandon Police) Boarder Guard Dennison (Canadian Border Services Agency), Correction Officer Kopilas (Federal Corrections), Inspector Stephanson (Winnipeg Police), Sergeant Martin (Winnipeg Police)
(From left to right side)


Do you remember how excited you were to get your first uniform?  I do. 

My own parents were away the weeks leading up to my new career with the Winnipeg Police Service.  I was working for family friends, Nathan Detroit's Sandwich Pad, and recall that they were excited as my own family about this adventure.  My "boss" and close friend Ian let me leave over the busy lunch hour to attend an appointment for my uniform fitting.  I returned to work and he, my friend Brenlea, and everyone else there was very excited and wanted to see all of the various pieces....the new shirts, ties, uniform pants, boots and forge cap.  I took it all out and put on display right at one of the front tables in the restarant.  I picture this day as if it was yesterday!  Happy memories!

Our uniforms are a symbol of who we are as law enforcement officers.  They are also a symbol of achievement for women in law enforcement because today we take for granted the fact that we have proper fitting uniforms and equipment.  Some pioneer woman made that happen for us by pushing our agencies for equality in this area.

Uniforms are also a symbol of the rank achievement.  White shirts are symbolic of senior officer status, as in the case of Winnipeg Police Service Inspector A. Stephanson who proudly displays the senior officer uniform of my agency.  The gold braiding of Inspector J. Keeping forge cap indicates her achievement to this rank within the RCMP. 

The "Forces of Fashion" show will be held on International Women's Day, Friday, March 8, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Richardson Science Complex, University of Winnipeg.  The event is designed to celebrate women in uniform and all that we have achieved in this field.  There will be a display of historic to modern uniforms by actual police models.  Business fashions from a local retailer will follow.

As proud as I was to receive my first uniform, I stood before the local media this past Monday, February 25 with these women to show off our uniforms.  We hope you will join us for the celebration.  If can not...please check back here for highlights!

To honour a lost friend

Constable Jennifer Zaretski of the Winnipeg Police Service was a recruit class mate to Kara Huffaman when she worked here in Winnipeg.  Jennifer made the journey to Sudbury to pass her respects to her friend.  The following is a message from Jennifer about how she is asking other friends to honour the friend she has lost.


As some of you are already aware, our dear friend and fellow former Constable with the Winnipeg Police Service, Kara HUFFMAN #2269, was involved in an off-duty motor vehicle collision just outside of Sudbury, Ontario on Monday, January 28, 2013. Tragically, she passed away due to her injuries at the age of 34. Kara was a member of WPS Recruit Class #134 and remained with the Winnipeg Police Service until her resignation in 2004 at which time she became a Provincial Constable with the Ontario Provincial Police to be closer to her family. Recently, Kara had been assigned to work out of the Sudbury (Espanola) Detachment. Kara and her husband Chris BOUILLON of 3 years had also recently moved to live in Espanola, ON with their 2 young daughters, Raya (2 1/2 years old) and Paige (15 months).



I had the honour of attending Ontario to represent the Winnipeg Police Service as an officer and a friend for the service to celebrate Kara's life on Friday, February 1. I also spent time with Kara's husband Chris, their 2 adorable daughter's Raya and Paige, as well as other immediate and extended family. Although the OPP lost one of their own, they went out of their way to make sure I was always taken care of and that the needs of the family were being met at all times. It is clear that members of the OPP are also grieving, and continue to do so, at the loss of a colleague and very dear friend.


For those of us that had the opportunity and honour of knowing Kara, we will always remember her as a vibrant and energetic person with an infectious laugh (and that unruly curly blonde hair) who always had a smile on her face. She was more than willing to help out a friend or colleague in need at any time of day or night even if she lived hundreds of miles away! There were countless officers, friends and family who attended the celebration of Kara's life. Even though she was only with us for a short time in this life, Kara has made a monumental impact on the lives of many people.....and we are so very grateful to her for that!


If desired, donations to the Trust Fund set up for Raya and Paige, would be sincerely appreciated by the family. The information below is what is required to make a donation to the Trust Fund which has been set up at the Royal Bank of Canada. Please contact me with any questions you may have and thank you in advance on behalf of the HUFFMAN-BOUILLON family.


The "Kara June Huffman-Bouillon Trust Fund" at the Royal Bank of Canada.

Condolences

Once again we are reminded how fragile life can be.  Sadly Constable Kara Huffman of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was killed, off duty, in a motor vehicle collision on January 28, 2013.  Kara began her police career here in Winnipeg but decided to move on to the OPP.

Kara leaves behind two young daughters and her husband.  She will be missed by her friends and colleagues with both OPP and WPS.

Please keep the family in your thoughts during these difficult times.

What a Year! 2012 in Review.

As we close of 2012 I thought it would be fitting to review some highlights of the past year. From my perspective, 2012 was busy for the IAWP and across Region 12.

In January the very first female police officer in Brandon, Manitoba retired after 33 years of service. Sergeant Carol Fisher is humble about her career but she is considered a pioneer for the 12 women who currently work for the Brandon Police Service. Carol is featured on the Brando Police Service web page.

http://police.brandon.ca/history/women-behind-the-badge

At the end of February IAWP First Vice President Margaret Shorter (right) and I (center), along with IAWP Second Vice President Myra James (left) began our journey over to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the First Emirates Women Police Conference. This was one of Mrya’s last official duties as IAWP Second Vice President as she has now retired after 11 years on the Board of Directors. Rumour has it that IAWP President Jane Townsley has convinced her to continue her liasion role with the board so we will continue to benefit from her experience, leadership and warm smile!

 

The First Emirates Women Police Conference took place in Abu Dhabi.  Newly elected IAWP Second Vice President Steph Harding (left) and IAWP Region 16 Coordinator Amna  M. Khami Al Belooshi (right) pulled together an outstanding training and cultural program.   Just before leaving Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Policewomen Association was officially welcomed as an IAWP affiliate.   I am sure we will see further outstanding IAWP events in this region! 

The board continued with our overseas travel schedule into March as we travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dhaka, Bangladesh for the IAWOP early board meeting and the First Asia Region Women Police Conference. This is one of the last “official” photos of Margaret in her iconic RCMP red serge with Sadia Rowan (right) of the Bangladesh Police Service. Sadia was one of the organizers for our time in Dhaka and made us all feel welcome at the Police Staff College where she is currently working.


Other highlights from Dhaka included the Dahka Declaration and the board took part in an International Women’s Day celebration on March 8th for the first time. I hope

  In April, shortly after returning home from my IAWP adventures, my own agency, the Winnipeg Police Service, hosted our 10th Annual Policewomen’s Network Conference. This year set a record attendance and received great reviews from everyone who attended.

IAWP 2014 Conference committee members Lisa Mandziak (left) and Andree Huberdeau (right) provided an overview of our planning process and encouraged everyone to get involved in this event. (More details on the progress for IAWP 2014 to come in another blog….soon!)

The Winnipeg Police Service held our annual Awards Day in early May. Patrol Sergeant Edith Turner was honored with the James Toal Award of Excellence. Further details on Edith and her achievements are noted in this story from the Winnipeg Free Press.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/award-winning-female-officer-made-history-151229165.html


Some of you may also remember Edith from the 2012 IAWP Training Conference. Edit (left) is featured here with Myra (right) during a break at the Annual IAWP Awards Luncheon. After Edith’s presentation, regarding her assistance to the Hamilton Police Service, she and Myra realized they have several connections in common and took time to pose for this photo.



The accolades for Region 12 members continued into June. RCMP Corporal Gertrude Maxwell (proudly displaying her medal in photograph below) was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. RCMP Staff Sergeant Margaret Shorter also received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee for her 35 years of public service as a police officer. I am sure I speak for all of us across Region 12 when I say we are very proud of both women.



July marked the start of celebrations across western Canada to mark 100 years of women in policing. To start us off the Vancouver Police marked 100 years of women in policing on July 18th, the anniversary of the first two women hired by the department. Vancouver Police Museum celebrated with an exhibit in honor of women in policing and later in September the Vancouver Police Service hosted the Evolution of Policing Conference. See more about the museum exhibit through the link below.

http://www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca/wime.html


As I was searching the web to research my blog I was amused to find that there was even a theatrical performance to pay homage to the first women cops. See more on the story through the link below.

http://www.canada.com/entertainment/Canada+first+female+police+officers+their/7507938/story.htm




Jumping ahead in the calendar to October, the Calgary Police Service helped honor the 100 year milestone by hosting a conference on women in policing. And the Edmonton Police Service also celebrated 100 years of women in policing with a photo exhibit. Read more on this with the news links below.

Calgary Police Service Women in Policing to celebrate 100 years in Edmonton and Vancouver

http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/10/13/special-canada-celebrates-100-years-of-women-in-policing




http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=d26f3044-95e8-4cae-8304-185bc35d6bd1



Edmonton Police celebrate the first female officer in Canada! October 1, 1912.

http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=898d5861-891e-4d27-bed7-1392af7986f1


http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/399761/new-photo-exhibit-marks-100-years-of-female-cops/




I am not sure if you recall my previous article in the Women Police magazine, but (Retired) Deputy Chief Carolyn Daley of the Vancouver Police Department was busy researching the accuracy of the history of women in policing across Canada. I have ear marked my calendar to touch base with her in the coming year to see what her research has uncovered so be sure to check back for updates. Or, if you have some historical information to send me I would love to post it on the blog.



September definitely capped off a successful business year for IAWP. A new board is now in place. Thanks for your support to allow me to continue in another term as Region 12 Coordinator. Margaret Shorter is continuing in her role as First Vice President and Linda Cunningham was re-elected as Sergeant at Arms. So…our region continues to be well represented! I look forward to continue working with both of these women (and the entire board) to represent your interests on a global level. Be sure to keep in touch with any one (or all!) of us to pass along your thoughts.



The global reach of IAWP continued in 2012 with the 2015 IAWP Conference big being awarded to Cardiff, Wales. The conference has previously been hosted in the UK but this will mark a first for Wales. Congratulations to IAWP 2015! With the experience of Region 13 Coordinator Julia Jaeger and Conference Director Carolyn Williamson to lead the team, this is sure to be a great venue to mark 100 years of IAWP!


Region 12 had a strong representation at the 50th Annual IAWP Training Conference. Thanks to all who attended. Sharp looking group!



During the 2012 Conference I was invited to help celebrate the retirement of Inspector Shelly Ballard-McKinley (right) from the Saskatoon Police Service and Staff Sergeant Margaret Shorter (right) from the RCMP E Division.    Other notable Region 12 retirees included Sergeant Sharon Bach from the Edmonton Police Service, Superintendent Corrine Scott from the Winnipeg Police Service and Sergeant Anne Drennan from the Vancouver Police Service.  Collectively these women represent hundreds of years of police experience and will be missed among police colleagues.



These were the big stories from our Region for this year.  As we close off 2012 I am reminded of how fortunate we, and our families and friends, are to be healthy and safe.  Best wishes for a safe, prosperous and healthy New Year everyone!



Brave RCMP Officers say...."It Gets Better".

This news story just came out today and it is too good not to share with all of you.  Please follow the You Tube link here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJDvetmwaKg  to see the stories of brave RCMP officers who have spoken out on thier personal experience as a gay/lesbian officer.

Congratulations to the Surrey (British Columbina, Canada) RCMP Detachement for becoming the Champions of this message and providing youth with the moral support...it gets better!

Be kind to each other everyone!  And be safe!
Sandra

Time to reflect on the journey...

The "Journey to the Edge" may now be over but the memories remain.  The Annual IAWP Parade of Nations was a spectacular event.  The streets of St. John's were lined with on lookers, cheering the IAWP delegates from 54 countries.

So proud to be Canadian!

Mounted Officers from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary led the parade.

Officers from Trinidad and Tobago on parade.

Winnipeg MP takes the Journey with IAWP

Winnipeg Member of Parliament Joy Smith helped open day of the Journey to the Edge - 50th Annual IAWP Training Conference in St. John's when she spoke of her work in combating human trafficking.  Joy Smith is well know in Canada for her historical work to create legislation to help law enforcement fight this crime.  She is also the "mom of a cop" and knows all too well the challenges we face in policing.

The first day proved to be another tremendous day of professional development.  Region 11 Coordinator, Leanne Fitch, informed me that the "First time to IAWP" session hosted 70 delegates for the session.  And everyone I talked with this morning was speaking highly of (retired) General Hillier keynote address on leadership.

Stay tuned tomorrow for updates on the Annual IAWP Awards Luncheon...and....IAWP 2014 hospitality night!

Good night from the rock!

The Journey has begun!

Sorry Folks...I have am a few days behind in my IAWP 2012 updates.  I arrived here in St. John's, Newfoundland on Thursday, September 6th and we have been busy ever since. 

The Board of Directors met on Friday and Saturday with our very own (Region 12) First Vice President Margaret Shorter chair of the meetings.  IAWP President Jane Townsley has been with the 2012 Olympics so Marg stepped in, doing a splendid job.  Jane arrived late yesterday, making it here in time to take part in the Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Nations.

And speaking of the Parade of Nations...truly amazing! 

I came here with full intentions of posting lots of pics...but forgot my battery charger.  I hope to have that issues solved by tomorrow so be sure to check back for further updates.

Well done to the 2012 Committee!  And Happy 50th Conference everyone!