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The New Westminster Police are pleased to announce the investiture of their own Chief Constable, Dave Jones, as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. Chief Jones was present at the investiture ceremony in Ottawa this morning, held at Rideau Hall and presided over by His Excellency the Right Honourable Dave Johnston, Governor General of Canada, who is chancellor of the Order.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created in 2000, to recognize conspicuous merit and exceptional service by members and employees of Canadian police forces whose contributions extend beyond protection of the community. Three levels of membership with post-nominal letters reflect long-term, outstanding service: Commander (C.O.M.), Officer (O.O.M.) and Member (M.O.M.). This year’s ceremony saw the induction of 1 Commander, 13 Officers and 47 Members.
“The City of New Westminster is very proud of Chief Constable Jones and his well deserved investiture as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “As a member of the NWPD for over 25 years, Chief Jones has dedicated his career to keeping the citizens of our great city safe. His continued leadership and vision on issues of public safety is highly valued by myself and the rest of city council.”
BIO – CHIEF CONSTABLE DAVE JONES
Chief Constable Jones began his policing career in 1982 as a volunteer with the Reserve Police Section of the NWPD. He was later hired on as a full-time officer in September of 1986. Chief Jones was promoted to the rank of Inspector in March 2000 serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the Patrol Division and Support Services Division during his tenure. In October 2009 he was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Constable, and in March 2011 he was promoted to the rank of Chief Constable making him one of the first members of the NWPD to work his way through the ranks to the position of Chief Constable.
During his career he has worked in a variety of sections including Patrol, the Major Crime Unit, Special Operations Unit, Drug Section, Community Services Section, and Street Crimes Unit. He has led and participated in numerous policing initiatives, including the NWPD response that dealt with an influx of crack cocaine dealing in the late 1990’s, and the development of the Integrated Service Team (IST) model that deals collectively with community and policing issues, a model that is still in effect today.
In addition to this latest honour, Chief Constable Jones has also received recognition for various investigations and events in the form of Chief Constable Commendations, Senior Officer Commendation’s and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his involvement with community and police soccer programs.
Chief Jones holds a Bachelor of General Studies degree through the Simon Fraser University/Justice Institute of BC Leadership Development program, and when not at work he is actively involved in the local community soccer and sports programs and currently chairs the Westminster District Boy’s Soccer Program along with the Coquitlam Field Sports Association.
ORDER OF MERIT OF THE POLICE FORCES FACT SHEET
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces honours a career of exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of Canadian police forces, and recognizes their commitment to this country. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing and community development.
The commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Principal Commander of the Order, submits recommendations for appointment to the governor general on behalf of an advisory committee. Nominations for appointment to the Order may be made by submitting the name of a member or employee of a police force to the commanding officer of that police force.
Levels and post-nominals
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Sovereign of the Order; the governor general is the chancellor and one of the Commanders of the Order. The Principal Commander is the commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Commander – Post-nominals: C.O.M.
Recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility over an extended period, usually at the national or international level.
Officer – Post-nominals: O.O.M.
Recognizes outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility over an extended period, usually at the regional or provincial level.
Member – Post-nominals: M.O.M.
Recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty over an extended period, usually at the local or regional/provincial level.
Insignia Description
The badge of the Order is the same as that of the Order of Military Merit: a blue-enameled, straight-end cross (four arms, narrow at the centre, wider at the ends) with an annulus in red, surmounted by St. Edward’s Crown. The ribbon is different and consists of three equal bands of blue, gold and blue. The annulus bears the inscription MERIT.MÉRITE.CANADA.
