Surrey, B.C. – A Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) criminology instructor's commitment to community has received major recognition on both local and national levels.
Last month, Inspector Galib Bhayani was nominated by community to receive Surrey’s “Police Officer of the Year” award. A member of the RCMP for 23 years, Bhayani also recently received the Order of Merit of the Police Forces from Governor General David Johnston for his exceptional service.
“I think the best way to sum up the recent recognitions is in one word: collaboration. My achievements could not be possible without the partnerships and relationships I have with the community and with institutions such as KPU who are developing our community safety leaders,” said Bhayani, who has taught criminology students at KPU since 2009.
In the community, Bhayani leads the Surrey RCMP’s first ever community mobilization process, which aims to improve outreach and community engagement with local residents. In the classroom, he has worked to develop innovative social justice programming that responds to issues around mental health, poverty and addiction.
“Keeping a community safe and healthy takes significant work from all those that live, work and play in the City of Surrey. I am proud to be part of a polytechnic such as KPU which continues to be recognized as a leader in education, innovation and social responsibility,” said Bhayani.
“It’s truly remarkable to have Galib Bhayani as a faculty member in the Faculty of Arts. His continuous inspiration and dedication to his students make him an asset to KPU and I’m so pleased to have him as a valued colleague," said Diane Purvey, dean of the Faculty of Arts. "These two awards speak to his immense contribution to community engagement, which is at the heart of KPU's polytechnic mandate. I am proud of Inspector Bhayani and I know he’ll continue to do great things in the community and at KPU."
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces honours a career of exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Police Services, and recognizes their commitment to Canada. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing and community development.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships.Learn more at kpu.ca.
Photos from the Surrey Board of Trade's Police Officer of the Year awards are available here.
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