The Police Resource Outreach Supporting Education (PROSE) program has been named the 2025 recipient of the Ontario Justice Education Network’s Chief Justices’ Award, recognizing its work to strengthen trust, understanding, and positive relationships between students, schools, and police services.
PROSE was developed collaboratively by the Grand Erie District School Board, the Brantford Police Service, and Ontario Provincial Police detachments in Brant, Norfolk, and Haldimand counties.
The program delivers curriculum-linked learning through co-developed and co-delivered modules created with input from educators and officers.
Eight secondary school courses were identified in the Ontario curriculum as having expectations directly connected to PROSE.
To date, five modules have been released: Internet Safety, Online Behaviour and Consequences; Consent; Types of Violence, Strategies and Consequences; Human Trafficking; and Modern Policing.
The modules cover subject areas across Grade 9 Health and Physical Education, Grade 10 Civics and Career Education, and Grade 11 Understanding Canadian Law, with one module extending into Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society.
The Chief Justices’ Award is OJEN’s highest honour and recognizes significant contributions to public legal education and civic engagement.
The award was presented at OJEN’s 2025 Award Ceremony in Toronto on November 12.
In a statement, Grand Erie District School Board Director of Education Dr. JoAnna Roberto said the recognition reflects the shared commitment of school and police partners to safe, inclusive, and connected learning environments.
She noted that the program is grounded in curriculum, relationship-building, and trust, and that it has strengthened connections between students and officers through dialogue and shared values.
Chief Justice Michael Tulloch acknowledged the leadership and creativity of the PROSE Writing Team, stating that the program reimagines how education, policing, and community can intersect to support young people.
He said the work responds with empathy and consultation to the complexities surrounding police presence in schools.
Brantford Police Service Chief Jason Saunders said strong partnerships are the foundation of strong communities and that the award recognizes the dedication of officers who help build relationships and create safe, inclusive school environments.
Inspector Andy Tait, Detachment Commander for Norfolk County OPP, said the award reflects the leadership of members working to promote justice education and dialogue, and highlights the value of collaboration between policing and education.
Provincial Constable Andrew Gamble, Community Engagement Officer in Norfolk County, said the partnership demonstrates the strength of teamwork and that developing curriculum-aligned modules helps students better understand the role of police while supporting meaningful relationships within schools.
Staff Sgt. Tom Hutton of Haldimand County OPP said the program shows the positive outcomes that can be achieved when law enforcement and education work together.
He said connecting officers with students in supportive environments helps improve safety and build trust, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging in the community.
The PROSE program continues to expand its work to support informed dialogue and positive engagement between students and police across the Grand Erie region.
