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Honourable Mentions

Constable Richard McDonald
Halifax Regional Police

Constable Richard McDonald has demonstrated that "trial and punishment" is not always the best way of dealing with youth in conflict with the law. The 28-year police veteran is known for his emphasis on alternatives to the court system for youth.

During the 1990s, McDonald was an integral member of two provincial committees helping to mold a restorative justice program for the province of Nova Scotia.

Recently, he addressed the specific needs of youth who live in group homes after noticing that a number of these young people were getting into trouble with the law. He recommended a partnership between the Halifax Regional Police, the Community Justice Society (an organization that involves the community in the administration of justice), social services, and group homes. His idea was that these partners could facilitate informal mediation sessions whenever a youth living in a group home got involved in a conflict. The goal of these sessions would be to help the young person understand the impact of his or her actions.

It's not unusual for McDonald to participate in youth justice forums on his own time as a volunteer and as a representative of the Halifax Regional Police when other officers are not available. His dedication to working with young people has earned him the recognition of his police colleagues and the broader community.

Contact person:
Constable Richard McDonald
(902) 490-5063