FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 13, 2025

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) is proud to announce the winners of this year’s CACP International Policing Award which recognizes the important contributions made by Canadian police services in global matters.  It acknowledges Canadian law enforcement personnel for their exceptional dedication and initiative in using Canadian policing skills to contribute to a safer world and seeks to encourage more Canadian police services to contribute to and work on the international scene.

Inspector Blayr Schmidt of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was one of two recipients of this award. She was recognized for her contributions as a Canadian police officer deployed abroad and more specifically for her invaluable participation on the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine.

Inspector Schmidt was recognized for her exceptional leadership in restoring Canadian law enforcement’s credibility and impact in Ukraine during a time of great instability and war. As Contingent Commander of the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine (CPMU), she rapidly rebuilt trust with the National Police of Ukraine (NPU), the Patrol Police (PP), and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA), turning a stalled mission into a highly engaged partnership.

Within weeks of her arrival, she secured high-level cooperation and refocused the mission on areas where Canadian policing expertise could make an immediate difference. Under her direction, CPMU launched urgent capacity-building programs, including use-of-force training, safe school initiatives, trauma equipment instructor training, community policing, and veterans’ wellness — all aligned with the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Her leadership introduced the first CPMU course since 2021 — the Immediate Action Rapid Deployment Program — back into operation, now delivered 16 times to safety officers and tactical police. She also oversaw medical training that equipped 120 trainers to teach life-saving trauma response skills to frontline officers nationwide, and advanced initiatives to support psychological health and de-escalation practices for police working with military veterans.

Through her significant police knowledge, lightning-quick responsiveness, strength of character, perseverance, expertise, and ability to quickly connect with people across rank, role and culture, Inspector Schmidt achieved unprecedented cooperation between Canadian police, Ukrainian law enforcement, and allied partners — delivering tangible improvements in safety, skills, and community protection across Ukraine.

“Recognizing Inspector Blayr Schmidt and the Canadian Police Mission Ukraine with one of this year’s CACP International Awards is both a tribute to their exceptional service and a reflection of the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people. In the face of extraordinary challenges, the Ukrainian police have stood as a pillar of stability and professionalism, strengthening public safety and the rule of law. Blayr and her team have supported them in untold ways demonstrating Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to the rules-based international order. Honouring the CPMU underscores our shared belief that collaboration, integrity, and resilience are the foundations of lasting security and justice.” —Director General Liam Price, Co-Chair, CACP International Committee

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For further information or to arrange a media interview, please contact:

Natalie Wright
Communications Manager
communications@cacp.ca 
613.838.8807