Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award

National Youth Justice Policing Award Winner for 2016

Constable Jeremiah Stump of the Youth at Risk Development program Indigenous Team
Calgary Police Service

The winner of the 2016 Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award is Constable Jeremiah Stump of the Calgary Police Service's Youth at Risk Development (YARD) program Indigenous Team.

The Youth at Risk Development program facilitates a collaborative and comprehensive approach to the early identification and appropriate service referral of young people, ages 10 to 17, who are at risk of initiation into street gangs or those who have already exhibited some level of gang involvement. The program is based on a wrap-around service model that is directed at both boys and girls and is voluntary for all potential participants. The YARD program's services are prevention-oriented for young people deemed at high risk of gang involvement or on deterring further criminal involvement by those already involved in gang-related activity. The program allows youth to enter and exit at various times based on their needs; the duration varies by participant, with average YARD involvement ranging between 12 and 18 months.

A YARD Indigenous Team was created in response to the overwhelming number of Indigenous youth referred to the program. The Indigenous Team consists of Constable Stump and a dedicated Social Worker, Wanda Hennigan. Operating under the guidelines of the established YARD program, the team incorporates cultural teachings into its work and creates opportunities for youth to connect with their cultural roots. For example, the Indigenous Team would engage elders for cultural teachings such as drumming and song teaching. In addition, a registered psychologist with Alberta Health Services supports the team in the area of mental health throughout the participant's involvement with YARD. Constable Stump was critical in the developmental phase of the Indigenous Team, which became operational in December 2015. In just a few short months, the team has supported over 20 Aboriginal youths, encouraging their positive citizenship and development of personal cultural identity.

Constable Stump joined the Calgary Police Service in 2010. He began his policing career within two of Calgary's most diverse districts. Being Indigenous and raised within the culture, he was invaluable serving as part of the International Avenue Beat Team. His natural leadership, mentorship and strong cultural connection with Indigenous members of the community were evident as he developed positive relationships on a one-on-one basis and took a keen interest in working with Indigenous youth in the school system.

Previous Winners

The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award was established in 2000. Here are the previous award recipients: