About Us › Who We Are
Who We Are
The Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.) is a non-profit organization formed in 1992 to address the needs and concerns of Black in law enforcement professionals. A.B.L.E. is focused on bringing the many voices of its membership to government officials, law enforcement agencies, and community partners in order to advance its Mission, Vision and Mandate. A.B.L.E. strives to provide a supportive, developmental, and social space for its members. A.B.L.E. does not provide advisement on legal or labour relations matters.
A.B.L.E. is a leading organization, focused on advocating for its membership, increasing representation, recognizing professional excellence, investing in the next generation of leaders, and being a bridge between law enforcement and Black communities, organizations, and key partners.
A.B.L.E. membership includes Police Officers, Correctional Officers, Probation and Parole Officers, Immigration Officers, Customs Officers, Court Services Officers, By-law Enforcement Officers, Sheriff’s Officers, Special Constables, civilian members of law enforcement agencies, young and aspiring law enforcement professionals, and members from the community.
A.B.L.E. Mission
We are a preeminent voice for Black law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, advocating for policies and practices that foster inclusion, eliminate discrimination and address anti-Black racism wherever it presents in law enforcement and in service delivery.
Logo
- Chains – A symbol of strength and unity
- Shape of Inner Letters – Symbolic of continental Africa, the original home of the Black Race
- Maple Leaf – A symbol of Canada
- Shield – A recognized symbol of Policing and Police professionals
- Key – A recognized symbol of Corrections and Correctional professionals
- Gavel – Represents the Criminal Justice system, law enforcement agencies and the professionals that serve within them
- Colors – Red, Black, and Green are traditional African colors. Blue, a color universally associated with law enforcement
A.B.L.E. Vision
We envision a law enforcement community where Black professionals can thrive in professional environments that are free from anti-Black racism and discrimination at work and in service delivery to Black communities
A.B.L.E. Values
A.B.L.E. is founded on the vision of law enforcement professionals who adopted respect, courtesy, service, and professionalism as core values to guide its members and their work. A.B.L.E. holds dear and is rooted in these values.
Respect – We value and respect each other with dignity and professionalism
Courtesy – We treat each other in a manner that fosters collaboration and team work
Service – We are guided by a core desire to uplift and support our members and our communities
Professionalism – We are a volunteer organization of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals,
subject matter experts, and community leaders who seek to use our experiences and expertise to advance
A.B.L.E.’s mandate
A.B.L.E. Mandate
A.B.L.E. is led by an engaged Board that has developed and is guided by the following mandate:
- Being a leading voice on issues which impact our members and Black communities
- Collaborating with law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies, associations and community organizations
- Providing professional guidance and support to our members
- Creating broader awareness and understanding of the various aspects of the law enforcement and criminal justice profession within Black communities Encouraging membership from persons and organizations interested in furthering the objectives of A.B.L.E.
- Holding events which are supportive of the aims and objectives of A.B.L.E. and its membership
- Connecting members to professional development opportunities
- Recognizing and celebrating the professional excellence of our membership
- Providing scholarships annually in honour of the first Black Law Enforcers in Canada. This scholarship shall be granted to applicants who identify as Black, African, African-Canadian, or African-Caribbean, pursuing post-secondary studies in any area within the law enforcement or criminal justice field of study.
Definitions
The following definitions are understood:
- A.B.L.E.: Association of Black Law Enforcers
- Board of Directors: the governing body of A.B.L.E., elected by its membership to oversee the management of the organization
- Executive Committee of the Board: composed of elected board directors and acts as a steering committee for the full board. Its main purpose is to facilitate decision-making between board meetings or in urgent and crisis circumstances Director: elected by the membership, or appointed by the Board in the case of a vacancy, into a particular role to serve on the Board of Directors
- Ex-Officio: a board member that is not elected or appointed, and serves on the Board because of their past position on the Board, expertise or knowledge (ie. Past President) Member: individuals or organizations who have registered officially to become a member, have paid their dues in full for the calendar year, and have satisfied the requirements of membership listed in this constitution
- Black: members who self-identify as belonging to African-Canadian, African-Caribbean, African, and African diasporic communities