2000 Ethical Courage Award Winner

Mr. Perry Dunlop
British Columbia, Canada

Over the course of a distinguished law enforcement career which began in 1983, Constable Perry Dunlop worked in patrol, criminal investigations and the drug unit for the Cornwall, Ontario, Police Service. In recognition of his professionalism and courage, he was on two occasions chosen Cornwall Police Officer of the Year, once in 1987, and again in 1991.

In 1994, though, Constable Dunlop found himself in a very unfamiliar position, when he was charged with illegally revealing police information to a source outside his agency. Specifically, after learning of a case of reported child sexual abuse in which the alleged abuser was permitted to pay the victim a sum of money in lieu of criminal charges, Dunlop asked why his agency was not investigating the case or reporting the matter - as required - to the appropriate child protective authorities.

Despite being cautioned to stay away from the case, Dunlop reported it to the Children's Aid Society; an act which resulted in disciplinary charges from his department. He was twice cleared of any wrongdoing, and a special task force eventually was formed to investigate allegations of widespread child sexual abuse.

Because of his outspoken stand against official silence and inertia, Perry Dunlop and his family were harassed and ostracized both in the community and within his police agency. In July, 2000, Perry Dunlop resigned from the Cornwall Police Service and moved with his wife and three children to western Canada.

On October 13, 2000, at the 9th Annual International Ethics Conference, Perry Dunlop received the Ethical Courage Award in recognition of his willingness to stand up for "the right thing," and for his unhesitating demonstration of character and integrity.

Original announcement on Institute for Law Enforcement Administration website