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Major Award Nominations

We'll begin accepting all major award nominations as early as January 6th. Please use the form below to submit your nominations.

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Major Awards

Submit Your Nominations

Note: You must specifically describe the event/incident/action being recognized.

Below is a box to enter the nomination write-up/details which show the individual deserves recognition from the OWLE in the award category submitted. Be specific as to why the officer/member should be considered for the award so the OWLE Awards Committee can give the nomination full consideration.

Do not include in the submission names of family members, accused or victims; do not use acronyms or letter abbreviations.

This section is limited to 750 words.

OWLE may use award photos, names and organization information in a manner consistent with furthering OWLE’s goals and gaining recognition for OWLE. We may publish OWLE recipient details, photos, names and organization on our Website and use award details, photos, names and organizations in print, our publication, and similar uses as deemed necessary to broadcast OWLE to an audience.

If the organization or the individual will not authorize release or grant permission, we cannot accept that individual for consideration. Individuals’ chosen will be deemed to have agreed to OWLE’s publication and use without a requirement for additional release or signature being obtained.

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OWLE is very excited to announce that our nomination period for major award and service awards will run from January 6th, 2025 to March 15th, 2025.

OWLE is proud to announce the creation of a new award category for 2024. The Police Association Leadership Award is open to women leaders in police service associations who exemplify leadership by demonstrating courage, integrity, and resilience, and by guiding or mentoring other women to become involved with their police association.

With the exception of the Teamwork Award, all other categories are open to female employees of law enforcement/corrections and other organizations recognized by OWLE as per their constitution. Candidates may only be nominated in one category and for work that has occurred in the past calendar year.

The Office of Chief/Commissioner (or designate) of your organization must be made aware of any submission made.

Submissions must be made by persons within your organization. All submissions received will be reviewed by our Advisory Council.

Submissions are to be made via the OWLE website at https://www.owle.org/

If you have any questions please contact Andrea Torrie, Chair of OWLE at
president@owle.org

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Major Award Categories

Indigenous Leadership

This category is open to an Indigenous member that promotes and exemplifies their Indigenous culture at work and in their personal life in such a way that it positively influences others in wanting to learn and strive towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Leadership

This category includes but is not limited to inspiration to others; an excellent role model; positively influences the actions and opinions of others; encourages and supports colleagues; shows initiative; perseveres in the face of criticism or adversity; has high ethical standards; is willing to “go that extra mile”; builds trust and is able to form partnerships to resolve issues; positive outlook.

Community Service

This category may include job-related activities or non-work volunteer or neighborhood activities. Demonstrates a consistent focus on service to others; designing and implementing initiatives to meet community needs, including those of individuals and groups; a self-starter who works to enhance standard programs and services and/ or adds value to the community with innovation and improvements; makes herself available to the community.

Mentoring and Coaching

Assistance to women in the law enforcement profession; someone who is inspirational; supports and/or provides opportunities for others; has excellent communications and interpersonal skills; is approachable, accessible consultation; encourages networking; works to support the advancement of women in law enforcement.

Excellence in Performance

Over an extended period of time, has demonstrated outstanding work performance (management or administrative expertise, investigative skills, service delivery, relationship-building, etc.); development or implementation of innovative programs or projects; recognized effectiveness in “getting the job done”; acknowledged professional credibility.

Teamwork

This category recognizes the exceptional successes of women and their male colleagues working on a complex, comprehensive, ground-breaking or long-term project within a Service or cross jurisdictional, with broad implications for law enforcement or justice; in other words, a major issue with significant implications for change. This could include the investigations, major events and conferences, organization change projects, task forces, or public inquiry support. Specify the nature of the role of each of the members of the team.

Note: If the project was a sensitive undercover or similar project, please indicate what names and information should not be disclosed publicly.

Bravery

A police/peace officer who distinguishes herself by an act of extraordinary selflessness, personal bravery, courage, or self-sacrifice.

Civilian Award of Achievement
This category is exclusively for a civilian member of a law enforcement agency. An individual who contributes by way of outstanding or significant support to her law enforcement colleagues. This support may be through leadership, job-related community service activities, mentoring, or excellence in performance.

Innovation

This award recognizes the individual or group for above-average achievement and innovation. The award is designed to recognize innovative and unique achievement in the implementation of an innovative program(s) or initiative(s) that enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement and the communities in which they work. The four criteria that will be used to judge nominations will be:
(1) effectiveness of innovation
(2) ability to implement into organization/community
(3) overall organizational and community impact.
Please include how the nominee(s) meets these criteria.

Police Association Leadership

This award recognizes outstanding women leaders in police service associations who exemplify leadership by demonstrating courage, integrity, and resilience, and by guiding or mentoring other women to become involved with their police association. Eligible nominees include both uniform and civilian members who have made impactful contributions to their police association within the preceding calendar year. Nominations should showcase how candidates advocate for gender equity, improve association services, and drive positive changes and advancement for women in the workplace. Though focused on women, team nominations that include male members are welcome if they reflect these values.

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