TORONTO, June 2, 2022  – The Canadian Banks’ Law Enforcement Award (CBLEA) is the banking sector’s way of honouring members of law enforcement who go above and beyond the call of duty through diligent police work that fights financial crimes and protects bank employees and customers. The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is now accepting nominations for the 2022 awards from banks and law enforcement agencies in Canada. All nominations must be submitted to the CBA by September 9, 2022, and the awards will be presented at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police next year.

"We are proud to recognize the tremendous efforts of police officers who have demonstrated exemplary service to protecting Canadians against financial crimes in the cyber and physical worlds," said Adrian White, Director of Financial Crimes, CBA. "Banks in Canada are committed to continually strengthening their long-standing collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the country in their common fight against increasingly complex fraud and security issues."

Eligibility

The CBLEA can be presented to a sworn member of law enforcement, including Special Constables and sworn auxiliary Peace Officers, for exceptional achievement in an investigation involving Canadian banks. Officers can be awarded for either an Individual or a Group (Team) achievement. The criteria for nominations are as follows:

• Individual: This award is presented to a sworn member of law enforcement for a unique investigation (not just high profile) involving a bank. The officer has displayed exceptional diligence to overcome obstacles and extenuating circumstances. This award may also be presented in cases where the officer knowingly placed themselves at great risk (threat of serious bodily harm or death, imminent danger, etc.) during the protection of life involving a bank employee, customer or bank property.
• Group (Team): This award is presented to sworn members of law enforcement working in a group/taskforce/team investigation involving one or more Canadian banks. The results of the investigation demonstrate exemplary performance in overcoming extraordinary circumstances resulting in a successful conclusion to the investigation. Examples could include investigations for robbery against a bank (branch) where employees and customers may be at risk, or fraudulent acts against a bank or banks, by an organized criminal group.

Additional information about the nomination process and eligibility, as well as a list of past award recipients, can be found on the CBA website.

Nominations may be submitted by members of law enforcement or bank security personnel. All completed nomination forms should be sent to security@cba.ca for consideration.

About the Canadian Banks’ Law Enforcement Award

Since its creation in 1972, 279 officers from across Canada have been honoured with the Canadian Banks’ Law Enforcement Award for their outstanding bravery, dedication and other noteworthy achievements in combating crimes against Canada.

About the Canadian Bankers Association

The Canadian Bankers Association is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. www.cba.ca.

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For information on the nomination process:

Adrian White, Director, Financial Crimes
awhite@cba.ca or security@cba.ca