Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award?

The Department of Justice Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and the Canadian Police Association (CPA), is pleased to present the Minister of Justice 2024 National Youth Justice Policing Award.

The award recognizes police officers and others involved in police-led initiatives, who develop innovative approaches or promising practices that go beyond the formal court system, when dealing with youth who come in contact with the criminal justice system through the application of Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Who is eligible for this award?

Police officers and others involved in police-led initiatives, who individually or as a team, apply Youth Criminal Justice Act principles and provisions in innovative and creative ways when working with youth in conflict with the law, are eligible for this award.

Particular consideration will be given for projects that respond to the needs of, or display sensitivity toward, Indigenous youth, Black youth, or any other vulnerable youth in the youth criminal justice system. Nominations will be accepted for initiatives that were active or launched between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

Who can nominate candidates for the award?

Any Canadian citizen may nominate candidates for the award, including Police Services, community groups and justice officials. Individual police officers may also nominate their colleagues.

Any nominations made, whether by a police service, community organization, or individual, must be accompanied by a signed letter from the Chief of Police, Director, or Commanding Officer of the agency concerned.

How do I nominate a candidate or team for the award?

To nominate a candidate or team for this award, complete and submit a nomination form. Only one form is required if you are nominating a team.

You may also complete and forward the nomination form to the coordinates below.

By email (preferred)

prix.police.award@justice.gc.ca

By mail (if necessary)

Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award
Department of Justice
Youth and Indigenous Justice Division
284 Wellington Street, 5th floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H8

Do I need to send anything other than the nomination form?

You may also include supporting press clippings, citations, letters of appreciation, photographs, etc. with your nomination form.

Please note: If the award winner is from Québec, additional information may be required.

What is the deadline for nominations?

The 2024 nomination period closed on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Who selects the winner?

The winner is selected by an awards committee consisting of representatives from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Police Association and officials from the Department of Justice Canada.

When will this year’s award be presented?

This year’s award will be presented at the Canadian Police Association Biennial Meeting on August 22, 2024 in Québec City, Québec.

What does the winner receive?

The winner’s name will be inscribed on a trophy, which will remain with the winning police service for a year. The winner(s) will also receive a smaller version of the trophy to keep and a Certificate of Recognition.

In addition, $10,000 in funding will be presented in the name of the winner(s) to the successful police service or community organization (in the case of the RCMP or other federal entity).

The winner’s expenses are covered for up to three nights stay at the conference. Please note that for team nominations, two team representatives’ expenses will be covered.

Previous Winners

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