The Police Resource Outreach Supporting Education (PROSE)™ program has been named the 2025 recipient of the Ontario Justice Education Network’s (OJEN) Chief Justices’ Award in recognition of the success to build trust, understanding, and positive relationships between students, schools, and police.
PROSETM was developed in collaboration with Grand Erie staff, the Brantford Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police in Brant County, Norfolk County and Haldimand County, with a focus on co-developed and co-delivered modules aligned with Ontario curriculum expectations.
The Chief Justices’ Award, OJEN’s highest honour, recognizes outstanding contributions to promoting public understanding of the justice system and fostering civic engagement.
Eight Grade 9 to 12 courses were identified in the Ontario curriculum as having expectations connected to PROSE™. Currently, five modules have been released:
- Internet Safety, Online Behaviour and Consequences (Grade 9 Health and Physical Education)
- Consent (Grade 9 Health and Physical Education)
- Types of Violence, Strategies and Consequences (Grade 10 Civics and Grade 10 Career Education)
- Human Trafficking (Grade 10 Civics and Grade 10 Career Education, Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society)
- Modern Policing (Grade 11 Understanding Canadian Law)
The award was formally presented at OJEN’s 2025 Award Ceremony in Toronto on November 12.
Quotes
“This recognition reflects the collective commitment of Grand Erie and its police partners to support safe, inclusive, and connected learning environments. The PROSE program is grounded in curriculum, relationship-building and trust, and has strengthened connections between students and officers by focusing on dialogue, understanding, and shared values.” Dr. JoAnna Roberto, PhD, Director of Education, Grand Erie District School Board
“The PROSE Writing Team has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and creativity in reimagining how education, policing, and community can intersect to support young people. Through the Police Resource Officers Supporting Education (PROSE) program, this team has turned a sensitive and often challenging area — the role of police in schools — into an opportunity for relationship building, learning, and trust. Their work acknowledges the complex histories and emotions surrounding police presence in schools and responds with empathy, consultation, and a shared vision for positive engagement.” Chief Justice Michael Tulloch
“Strong partnerships create strong communities. The PROSE program is proof that when police and educators work together with empathy and respect, we can make a lasting difference. This recognition honours the dedication of our officers who are helping to build relationships and create safe, inclusive school environments.” Chief Jason Saunders, Brantford Police Service
“I’m proud to recognize our members for receiving the Chief Justices' Award through the Ontario Justice Education Network. Their leadership in promoting justice education and fostering dialogue reflects the strength of collaboration between policing and education. This honour speaks to their commitment to building a more informed, inclusive, and responsive justice system.” Inspector Andy Tait, Detachment Commander, Norfolk County OPP
“It’s an honour to receive this year’s Chief Justices’ Award. This partnership between the OPP, Brantford Police Service, and the Grand Erie District School Board showcases the best of collaboration and teamwork. By developing curriculum-aligned modules, we’re helping students better understand the role of police while building lasting relationships within our school communities.” Provincial Constable Andrew Gamble, Community Engagement Officer, Norfolk County OPP
"The success of the PROSE program shows what can happen when law enforcement and education work hand in hand. By connecting officers with students in a positive, supportive environment, we're not only improving safety, but we're also helping young people build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging in their community." Staff Sgt. Tom Hutton, Haldimand County OPP
(L-R): Constable Kelsie Annaert, Constable Abigail Whitenect, Constable Andrew Gamble, Hon. Geoffrey B. Morawetz, Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice, Hon. Michael H. Tulloch, Chief Justice of Ontario and the Court of Appeal for Ontario, Brantford Police Association President Jeremy Morton, Hon. Sharon M. Nicklas, Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, OPP Inspector Andy Tait, Secondary Teacher Meghan Cameron, PROSE Liaison Karen Edgar, OPP Staff Sergeant Tom Hutton, Secondary Program Coordinator Jason Hall, Brantford Police Services Chief Jason Saunders, Director of Education JoAnna Roberto, Associate Director of Curriculum and Student Achievement Lisa Munro.
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About the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN)
Founded in 2002, OJEN is a not-for-profit organization that facilitates collaboration among the justice, education and community sectors toward the goal of increasing public understanding of the justice system. OJEN introduces young people to the justice system, helps them understand the law, and prepares them to manage the legal aspects of their lives. By partnering with schools and community-based organizations OJEN connects with over 200,000 youth province-wide each year.
About the OJEN Chief Justices’ Award
The Chief Justices' Award was established by the three Chief Justices of the Ontario courts - the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice. This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions in promoting public understanding, education and dialogue in support of a responsive and inclusive justice system.
Past winners have distinguished themselves by:
- Reaching underserved communities,
- Making important contributions to program delivery, research or evaluation,
- Establishing effective partnerships or collaborations, and
- Developing important innovation in justice education.
Media contact:
Ryan Strang, APR
Senior Manager, Communications and Community Relations
519-754-5339
ryan.strang@granderie.ca
