Academic Award Winner at Dalhousie University
Constable Mark Arbour, York Regional Police
The Sgt. Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence is presented to the municipal police officer who, in the past academic year, has achieved the highest overall average in a concentration certificate within the Police Leadership Program at Dalhousie University. This year the recipient of the award is Cst. Mark Arbour of York Regional Police.
The award was established in 2001 by Phyllis MacPhail in memory of her son, and commemorates his dedication to life-long learning in the field of law enforcement. Sgt. MacPhail completed the Certificate in Police Leadership, Supervisory Skills in 2000 and was the first to graduate as a Certified Police Coach in the program.
He began his career with the Amherst Police Department in Nova Scotia, then in 1982 became one of the first police officers with the newly formed Bedford Town Police. He continued on with Halifax Regional Police after amalgamation, eventually heading up their first Auto Theft Unit. Sgt. Bruce MacPhail passed away in June 2001 after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
The 2016 award recipient, Cst. Arbour, has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice and Public Policy from Guelph University. During university he was a member of the Varsity men’s hockey team. He began his career with York Regional Police in December 2004 where he began working at 2 District on C Platoon in the town of Richmond Hill. Upon turning 1st Class, he joined the Canine Unit. Mark spent 6 years working with his canine partner Falko. Falko was trained as a General Purpose and Narcotic Detection Service Dog. After Falko was retired, Mark returned to 2 District. He took on new roles as a Coach Officer and Acting Supervisor. He also obtained training for a 6-month period in the Criminal Investigation Bureau. During this time, Mark completed his Certificate in Police Leadership in the Law and Justice concentration by completing the Police Leadership and Management Development, Legal Issues in Policing,and Policing and the Law of Human Rights courses.
The online course format and flexibility provided a good balance between work and being a father to his twin 3-year old daughters. These courses proved very beneficial as Mark applied the knowledge to his role as a coach officer and as an investigator.
Mark is thankful to York Regional Police for their support of continuing education. He is especially thankful to his wife Melissa who was extremely supportive and would debate some of the current issues raised in the course material.
Congratulations to Constable Arbour on his success!
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