The Harry Hole Community Policing Award is named for one of Edmonton's most outstanding leaders and supporters of our city and its communities.

This award recognizes a committed Edmontonian for his or her leadership in supporting community policing crime prevention and community problem-solving initiatives.

Mr. Harry Hole is founding Chair of the Edmonton Police Foundation and he provides the inspiration and the example of the community dedication that this award will recognize. The Harry Hole Community Policing Award acknowledges a dedicated individual whose volunteer initiative has made Edmonton's neighbourhoods safer places to live and work and whose energy and ideas have encouraged citizens and communities to find solutions together.

Click here for the Terms of Reference

Click here for a Nomination Form

Purpose
To recognize and promote outstanding contribution and dedication to community problem-solving initiatives focusing on a shared responsibility in preventing crime and making neighbourhoods a better and safer place to live and work.

Eligibility Criteria
The nominee must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of the greater Edmonton area having made a significant contribution to community policing within the city of Edmonton .
• The nominee may not presently or have previously been a member of the Edmonton Police Foundation or the Edmonton Police Service.
• The nominee may not have previously received the Harry Hole Community Policing Award.
• Self-nominations will not be accepted.

Nomination Procedures
A concise description of the work and achievements of the nominee for the award together with supporting evidence for Committee consideration shall accompany each nomination.

Submissions should be well researched carefully documented and properly submitted including:

• The nomination form and all required documents
• Three page (maximum) history is required and should include a factual and concise synopsis including why the person is being nominated what they have accomplished time frames and how they have made a difference in an Edmonton community.
• Letters of support (five maximum) containing a factual account of the nominee's contributions to community initiative(s).

Nominations are to be submitted the Edmonton Police Foundation Awards Committee by
June 04 2010.

Selection Criteria
Nominees are rated as follows:

• Consideration is given to the significance of the contribution to the community initiative(s). The impact of the nominee's contribution (i.e. influence innovation and sustainability) to the Community.

Selection Process

• The Edmonton Police Foundation Awards Committee selects recipient(s) each year.
• At the discretion of the Awards Committee nominations may be brought forward for consideration the following year.
• The successful recipient will be notified by telephone and in writing.

Announcement
The Harry Hole Community Policing Award is presented by the Foundation Chairman during the annual Edmonton Police Foundation Gala Dinner held in October.

For further information please contact:
Tanis Nicholson
Edmonton Police Service
Phone: (780) 421-2227
Fax: (780) 421-2383
e-mail: tanis.nicholson@police.edmonton.ab.ca

2009 Winner

Mr. Bernie Karcher was awarded the 2009 Harry Hole Community Policing Award due to his dedication combined with tireless energy strong vision and articulated passion towards making Edmonton's communities safe.  His influence is broad; encompassing community leaders Edmonton Police Service members and multiple community groups.

Mr. Karcher has been an active volunteer with the Edmonton Police Service since 1997 where he began with the Ottewell Community Patrol.  Along with the other members of that patrol Mr. Karcher was instrumental in restoring a sense of safety and security in a neighbourhood that was beginning to spiral down into fear and disorder.  Using his own vehicle and working Friday and Saturday nights Mr. Karcher has been a visible presence patrolling back alleys school yards and industrial zones.

In 2001 Mr. Karcher was actively involved in the creation of the Mill Woods Community Patrol to address the perceptions of crime quickly deteriorating the safety and security of Mill Woods residents.  In actively pursuing the establishment of a community patrol he was able to provide leadership informal training and guidence to the new patrol.  He has since logged over 1500 hours and countless kilometers patrolling the communities of Mill Woods and the Meadows reporting suspicious activities and being a visible presence deterring possible criminal activity.

As president of the Mill Woods Community Patrol Mr. Karcher is actively involved in recruiting scheduling training and supervising the many aspects of the patrol group.  His support goes well beyond the mandate of the patrol; ensuring that the group is sufficiently funded has the proper safety equipment and builds community capacity.

Mr. Karcher's volunteer involvement extends beyond the community patrol.  He readily volunteers himself and finds others for the many annual events which require volunteers to support and work alongside Edmonton Police Service members.  He is well known as an individual who can be counted on.

Mr. Karcher continues to make a great impact in many areas where the various aspects of community policing intersect.  From influencing young people generating community cohesion and actively providing a watchful eye he is involved.

 uploads/file/IMG_7839.JPG