b'F E A T U R EJacqueline Edwards (right) receiving the 2021 OACP Presidents Award of Merit from Chief Antje McNeely.Making Bold, Courageous Change Interview with Jacqueline Edwards, recipient of the 2021 OACP Presidents Award of MeritOn October 5, 2021, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) awarded the 2021 OACP Presidents Award of Merit to Jacqueline Edwards during a ceremony at the associations annual conference. The award acknowledged Edwards work as President of the Association of Black Law Enforcers as well as A.B.L.E.s important, ongoing work in addressing the needs and concerns of Black and other racialized groups in law enforcement and the community. A.B.L.E.s membership includes police officers, correctional officers, probation and parole officers, immigration officers, customs officers, court services officers, by-law enforcement officers, sheriffs officers, special constables and community members.OACP Director of Government Relations and Communication, Jose Luis (Joe) Couto, interviewed Ms. Edwards about her work in promoting collaboration and change in the justice system.Jose Luis (Joe) Couto: How import- power that the police profession has.accountableabout making funda-ant is addressing systemic racism inSo,ifweallowsystemicracismtomental changes?policing today? be a part of what police personnelJE: Be courageous. And act in a bold, JacquelineEdwards:Itiscriticallydo, it will fundamentally affect andcourageous,intentional,knowing important; it touches the fundamen- impactpeoplessafety,securityway, [understanding] that the effects talneedsthatpeoplehavearoundand well-being. ofnotdoingthatfaroutweighthe feelingsafeandsecure,becauseeffectsofleavingthingsasthey systemicracismerodespeople.ItJLC:Whatadvicecanyougiveare.Intermsofchanges,identify erodestheiroverallwell-being.Ittopoliceleaderswhomakethewhereinthe[police]structurethe erodes relationships. It impacts theirdecisionstheoneswhoholdleaky pipes are, and dont just put a day-to-daylivingbecauseoftheeverybodyintheirorganizationsband-aid or tape over it. Expect the 16 H.Q. Winter 2021/22'