Pubdate: Tue, 09 Jan 2007
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Christina Toth, Staff Reporter

ORDER OF ABBOTSFORD GOES TO DARRYL PLECAS

Ask Darryl Plecas a little about his work, and he'll happily ramble 
on about the latest monumental research task he's taken on regarding 
impaired drivers, the change in police work over the past three 
decades, or ways of eradicating marijuana grow operations.

His conversation is not unlike his work, following strands of inquiry 
that only lead to more questions. But that's what life has been like 
for the last 26 years or so the senior criminologist has taught at 
the University College of the Fraser Valley.

Recently, that work has caught up with him - Monday he was recognized 
with the Order of Abbotsford by mayor George Ferguson for his efforts.

In 2006, to add to other accolades he's received for teaching, 
including UCFV's Teaching Excellence Award in 2001, Dr. Plecas 
received a B.C. Lieutenant Governor Safety Award.

Plecas seemed a little perplexed by the attention, but attributes it 
to the body of studies he's guided over the years that have led to 
changes, both locally and nationally, to his high-calibre colleagues, 
and to the fact that UCFV takes on issues others won't.

"I try not to shy away from controversial topics, I try to address 
them in a balanced way so people can make informed decisions," he said.

He sees his role as an educator focusing on what's important to 
students, criminal justice agencies and the community.

Plecas has a resume inches thick - he has co-authored more than 90 
research reports, international journal articles and other 
publications addressing a wide range of criminal justice issues.

Plecas holds the RCMP University Research Chair in the School of 
Criminology and Criminal Justice at UCFV, and is a member at large 
with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, along with other 
associate or advisory roles - one of this was as an expert observer 
to the 10th United Nations Congress on the Prevention and Treatment 
of Offenders.

He holds two degrees fro Simon Fraser University, and a doctorate in 
higher education from the University of British Columbia. In 1995, 
Plecas also completed Harvard's Graduate School of Education 
management development program.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine