/EINPresswire.com/ -- TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov 21, 2016) - The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Award (CBLEA). Award winners are recognized for their diligent police work in fighting financial crime and protecting bank employees and customers in Canada. This year's award will be presented at the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Conference gala awards dinner being held in Montreal, Quebec on July 18, 2017.

"This award gives the banking industry the opportunity to honour exceptional police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in combating financial crime," said Malcolm Chivers, Director of Corporate Security, Canadian Bankers Association. "Banks in Canada rely on their longstanding relationship with law enforcement agencies and police officers to help protect their customers and employees from financial crime."

Nominations from banks and Canadian law enforcement agencies will be accepted by the CBA until February 8, 2017.

Eligibility

The CBLEA can be presented to a sworn member of law enforcement (includes Special Constables and sworn auxiliary Peace Officers) for exceptional achievement in an investigation involving the banking industry. Officers can be awarded for either an Individual or a Group (Team) achievement. The criteria for nominations are as follows:

• Individual: This award is presented to a sworn member of law enforcement for a unique investigation (not just high profile) involving a bank. The officer has displayed exceptional diligence in order to overcome obstacles and extenuating circumstances. This award may also be presented in cases where the officer knowingly placed themselves at great risk (threat of serious bodily harm or death, imminent danger, etc.) during the protection of life involving a bank employee, customer or bank property.
  
  
• Group (Team): This award is presented to sworn members of law enforcement working in a group/taskforce/team investigation involving the banking industry. The results of the investigation demonstrate exemplary performance in overcoming extraordinary circumstances resulting in a successful conclusion to the investigation. Examples could include investigations for robbery against a bank (branch) where employees and customers may be at risk, or fraudulent acts against a bank or banks, by an organized criminal group.

Additional information about the nomination process and eligibility, as well as a list of past award recipients, can be found on the CBA website.

Nominations may be submitted by members of law enforcement or bank security personnel. All completed nomination forms should be sent to security@cba.ca for consideration.

About the Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Award

Since its creation in 1972, 248 officers from across Canada have been honoured with the Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Award for their outstanding bravery, dedication and other noteworthy achievements in combating crimes against Canada.

About the Canadian Bankers Association

The Canadian Bankers Association works on behalf of 59 domestic banks, foreign bank subsidiaries and foreign bank branches operating in Canada and their 280,000 employees. The CBA advocates for effective public policies that contribute to a sound, successful banking system that benefits Canadians and Canada's economy. The Association also promotes financial literacy to help Canadians make informed financial decisions and works with banks and law enforcement to help protect customers against financial crime and promote fraud awareness. www.cba.ca.

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