Rob Moore Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice presents Certificate of Distinction was also awarded to Detective-Constable Deborah Knight of the Durham Regional Police Service for her work with the Youth in Action Program


Rob Moore Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice presents the Ninth annual Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award to Corporal James Cooley of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, "E" Division

Government of Canada Recognizes Excellence in Youth Policing

August 24, 2008 -- MONTREAL, QC -- Rob Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada and M.P. for Fundy-Royal, NB, today announced the winner of the Ninth annual Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award. The award was presented at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) in Montreal, QC.

"On behalf of the Minister of Justice, it is a great privilege to personally recognize dedicated officers who work hard to make communities safer by providing youth with opportunities to make smart choices," said Mr. Moore. "The youth criminal justice system must instil in young people a sense of responsibility for criminal behaviour, but it must also provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation. This year's winner has made significant contributions these twin goals."

This year's award winner is Corporal James Cooley of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, "E" Division. Since 1997, Corporal Cooley has been a strong advocate for Restorative Justice and has facilitated Community Justice Forums across British Columbia. For the past 20 years, Corporal Cooley has given his time to youth in conflict with the law and taught the values of personal responsibility and community involvement.

A Certificate of Distinction was also awarded to Detective-Constable Deborah Knight of the Durham Regional Police Service for her work with the Youth in Action Program. Established in 2008, Youth in Action helps young people residing in low-income housing to interact with their local police forces in positive ways.

The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Police Award is sponsored by Justice Canada in collaboration with the CACP. Award criteria include innovation and creativity and the use of community-based resources as alternatives to formal court processes. Also considered are effective uses of police discretion, conferencing, alternatives to custody and the rehabilitation and reintegration of youth in conflict with the law. For more information about the Award, the winners and nominees, please visit this site

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For more information, please contact:
Sean Phelan
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of Rob Moore, M.P. Fundy Royal
(613) 996-2316