A.B.L.E. President Jacqueline Edwards Honoured with Ontario Police Leaders' Highest Honour

Media Release

Association of Black Law Enforcers President Jacqueline Edwards Honoured With Ontario Police Leaders’ Highest Honour

For Immediate Release: October 6, 2021

(Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) is pleased to announce that Jacqueline Edwards, President of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.), is the 2021 recipient of the OACP President’s Award of Merit, the association’s highest honour. Ms. Edwards was awarded the honour during the 2021 OACP Annual Award.

For decades, A.B.L.E. has been an important voice in the fight against anti-Black racism within law enforcement, and has been a powerful voice for its membership. A.B.L.E. has provided support and mentorship for its members, while lending its collective expertise and advocacy to governmental and law enforcement agencies in the formulation of policies, initiatives, and legislation. In 2019, Ms. Edwards became the first woman elected as President of A.B.L.E.. She is a 25-year veteran with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and has worked in various positions within CSC at the institutional, regional, and national levels. Under her leadership, A.B.L.E. has experienced a renewed mission and vision, and has significantly grown their membership and partnerships.

During a time when police have faced increased calls for reform in a number of areas such as the use-of-force and systemic racism, Ms. Edwards has displayed a passion for working with OACP members and other police groups to promote civility, equity, inclusion, and diversity in law enforcement organizations. Ms. Edwards has tirelessly promoted cultural awareness and sensitivity, embracing differences, and fostering good relations with diverse people and communities.

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