2008 AWLE Conference in Sydney, NS

The Cape Breton Regional Police is proud to host the 16^th Annual Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement Conference (AWLE)!

The Conference will be held in the heart of downtown Sydney, Nova Scotia.  Dates for the Conference are identified as November 4^th -7^th, 2008.  Cape Breton Island is known for its dramatic natural beauty and Scottish heritage which is threaded throughout its communities.  Cape Breton is also famous for its world-class golf courses, glorious autumn foliage and Glenora Distillery which is noted as Canada’s only single malt whisky distillery.

For history enthusiasts a visit to the historic site of Fortress Louisbourg is a must.  The Louisbourg site is one of the most renowned historical reconstruction projects in all of Eastern North America.  Visitors to the quaint village of Baddeck can enjoy a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum which provides a remarkable insight into the life and times of this amazing inventor and remarkable individual; enjoy the tranquil beauty of Baddeck Bay while experiencing local cuisine or fine dining at area restaurants.  A drive along the famous Cabot Trail to explore the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore and rugged coastline will provide you with a first-hand view of one the most scenic drives in the world.  Immerse yourself in Scottish dance and music at the Annual Celtic Colours Festival.  The only thing more beautiful than the scenery and events is the people of Cape Breton Island who will welcome you with a warm smile. 

Confirmed speakers for the Conference include:

Chief Superintendent Kate Lines, Commander, Ontario Provincial Police Investigation and Support Bureau, Orillia, ON.

In 1990 C/Supt. Lines completed the FBI’s Criminal Profiling Fellowship Program in Quantico Virginia and became only the 2^nd Canadian to graduate from that program at that time. 

The Kristin French & Leslie Mahaffy homicide cases were one of her first cases upon completion of her Criminal Profiling Course and one of her most memorable cases to date.  Kate Lines was heavily involved in the investigations and interrogations resulting from this case, which had been profiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Cpl. Gord Vail, RCMP Synthetic Drug Unit – “H”/ “B” Divisions

Cpl. Gord Vail is credited with eighteen years of service which includes General Duty, Highway Patrol, Street Level Drugs and School Liaison Program.

His background includes eleven years in drug work, eight years involved in Federal drugs and the last three years in the newly formed synthetic Drug Unit. 

Cpl. Vail is qualified as an expert in cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy and methamphetamine.

“The Spruce Grove Incident” - Sergeant Ron Campbell has twenty-seven years of service with the RCMP in Alberta.  Cpl. Dave Wilkinson is a seventeen-year veteran of the RCMP in B.C., Northwest Territories and Alberta.  These two decorated officers will speak on an RCMP case from Spruces Grove, AB, which took placed February 28^th, 2004, during which time a member of the RCMP was murdered and the suspect was subsequently shot and killed by police.

The situation involved a suburban residential armed and barricaded suspect with no hostages where negotiations were unsuccessful and an armed confrontation ensued as he attempted to depart the residence.  There will be audio of the conversations and radio traffic with numerous photographs to provide context.  This presentation will also address the emotional aftermath of this event.

Cold Case – Big Ben’s Homicide

Marie Lorraine Dupe, age 46, was stabbed to death in Sydney, NS, on March 22^nd, 1992.  The killer used a 30-centimetre store knife to stab the victim dozens of times.  The killer escaped on foot in the height of a blinding snowstorm, made it impossible for police dogs to follow the trail.

Through the use of forensic science and an elaborate undercover operation between the Cape Breton Regional Police and OPP the killer, Ernest Gordon Strowbridge, pled guilty to second degree murder.

S/Sgt. Walter Rutherford, a CBRPS officer credited with 31 years of policing service and Sgt. Lloyd MacCormack, CBRPS Polygraphist, with 25 years service, in addition to several other officers worked in junction on the carefully planned operation.  Both S/Sgt. Rutherford and Sgt. MacCormack have worked extensively in the Major Crimes Unit with the Cape Breton Regional Police Service and collectively have participated in excess of 40 homicide investigations.

S/Sgt. Rutherford and Sgt. MacCormack will provide an overview of the Big Ben’s homicide investigation and discuss the legal issues pertaining to the case.  This case study has been presented to a number of agencies, including the Atlantic Police Academy in Prince Edward Island.

Nicole Gaskell, BSc, ND

Nicole Gaskell is a Naturopathic doctor who has devoted the past twelve years to the study of alternative health care.  Prior to graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Dr. Gaskell completed a BSCHE degree in dietetics at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

Inspector Bockus began her career in 1981 having held numerous positions in policing including time in the Forensic Identification Unit.  Insp. Bockus then became a Homicide Investigator where she continues today as the longest serving female member of the squad.  Now an Inspector, Bockus has been the lead investigator in numerous homicides and will discuss a case study regarding a homicide which involves several different twist and turns.  

The conference will also include an awards banquet to recognize achievements in the categories of Officer of the Year, Community Service, Excellence in Performance, Leadership, Medal of Valour, Mentoring, and Team Endeavour.  There will also be a uniform parade and an annual general meeting of AWLE. For more information contact:

Cst. Erin Donovan (Conference Co Chair)

Cst. Roberta Kelly (Conference Co Chair)
roberta.kelly@cbrps.ca
(902) 842-1001

Cape Breton Regional Police Service