Celebrating Policing Innovators

The Association of Black Law Enforcers (ABLE) celebrated innovative leaders in policing and welcomed the next generation of police and peace officers through scholarships at their 33rd annual gala November 1.
Superintendent Donovan Locke was the recipient of the Innovation Award for leading the creation of two new community hubs in 33 Division that allow officers to interact with the community outside of responding to calls for service to help build trust and prevent crime.
The first one opened last January in CF Fairview Mall while the second was launched in September at the CF Shops Don Mills.
“Donovan is a visionary leader whose innovative approach to community safety has set a new standard for law enforcement engagement,” said Chief Superintendent Kelly Skinner, who herself received a scholarship from ABLE before beginning her policing career. “The Community Safety Hub initiative is not only unique in its design and execution, but also demonstrably effective in enhancing public safety, improving partnerships and stakeholder engagement and fostering meaningful community relations.”
The Teamwork Award was presented to the In-Service Training Program staff comprising Donna Scantlebury, John O’Dell, Cara-Lyn Giacomini and Constables Jennifer Dekezel and Stephaine Nassis for excellence in advancing professional development across the Service.
“As we modernize the Toronto Police Service, it is important to keep our communities in mind,” said O’Dell. “Getting such an award and recognition speaks volumes about the intentional direction that Toronto Police take in ensuring that the voices of the community are heard. The work, the talent, the research, the passion, the compassion and the empathy ensure that the impact to community is far reaching. We know the world isn’t perfect, but by providing training that guides police officers and law enforcement professionals to serve our community with fairness, dignity and respect, we strengthen relationships and create better outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Sergeant Henry Dyck nominated the team for the recognition.
“Together, these instructors have brough police education into the 21st century redefining how officers connect with the communities, they serve,” he said. “Their innovative and community-centred approach have earned widespread praise from participants, many of whom describe the training as ‘eye-opening’ and ‘transformative.’
The Legacy Award was posthumously presented to Detective Sergeant Ron Boyce who passed away last June.
His wife Michele and daughter Kyra accepted the award.
Boyce, who served with TPS for 39 years, was a Coaching and Mentorship lead of the Service’s Black Internal Support Network, guiding and inspiring countless officers through their careers. His leadership was grounded in empathy and inclusion, ensuring that future generations of officers uphold the values of equity, professionalism and respect.