Minister of Justice - National Youth Justice Policing Award 2007

On the move, pushing boundaries. Redefining our world as they define theirs. They are Canada’s young people.

Most cops know that they can be one of the most challenging groups to deal with. It’s a tough job.

And while young people need to be held accountable for the decisions they make, sometimes all it takes is a bit of guidance to help them find the right path.

Canada ’s Youth Criminal Justice Act recognizes the need for new approaches to dealing with young people and the criminal justice system.

It has created new opportunities for law enforcement outside of the formal court process.

Opportunities for changes in attitudes and approaches.

Opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Opportunities to make lasting impacts in the lives of the young people they serve.

These contributions can not be underestimated.

All across Canada, in rural communities, towns and cities, police officers have answered the call, and are helping young people make smarter choices, create better lives and build stronger communities.

In the process they are making new connections with their communities. They are having a profound impact and leaving lasting impressions.

They are truly making a difference.

The Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police presents the Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Awards.

The recipient of the 2007 Certificate of Distinction is Constable Dwayne Cebryk, of the Selkirk, Manitoba detachment of the RCMP for his work with the Selkirk Team for At – Risk Teens, or S.T.A.R.T.

S.T.A.R.T. is innovative in its ability to be both proactive and reactive as it responds to at-risk youth and to those already involved in the criminal justice system.

Constable Cebyrk has been instrumental in bringing together partner agencies and works diligently at maintaining these relationships to ensure the on-going success of S.T.A.R.T. His continuing efforts in his unit and in the community have been vital to the success of the program.

The recipient of the 2007 Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award is Constable Sarah Riddell of the York Regional Police.

Sarah Riddell is one of the most enthusiastic, positive people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She’s taken the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, embraced them and raised the level that is certainly worthy of this award.

Since her appointment as Youth Coordinator in August 2006, Constable Riddell has developed unique and effective programs for youth in conflict with the law.

Within the Youth Criminal Justice Act officers are given various ways to address the behavior of the young person that they’re dealing with. That allows for individuals and the nature of their crimes to be dealt with on that individual basis.

A deep sense of commitment to her role as a police officer and as a member of her community are driving forces in Constable Riddell’s professional life.

I do what I do because I believe that it’s important that everyone within the community take an active part in making the community a better place for us all to live. And through my job as a police officer I have found that I really enjoy working with young people and it’s something that I have found some success in and it’s something that I really, truly do enjoy doing.

By working on the development of innovative extra-judicial measures and prevention programs, Constable Riddell has taken her position of Youth Coordinator to a whole new level.

As police officers we have to police differently in the 21 st century than we did in the 20 th century and the biggest difference is how we deal with young people and young people that come into conflict with the law and young people that commit serious criminal offences. So Sarah’s approach and our approach here at York Regional Police is proof positive that you can make a difference.

To the winners… and to every police officer across Canada who makes a difference…

Thank you for what you do.