Volunteer honoured for helping to safely reintegrate offenders into B.C. communities

Mr. Robert Marshall presented with the 2017 James A. Murphy CAC Award of Excellence

OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is pleased to announce that Robert (Bob) Marshall of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia is this year's winner of the James A. Murphy Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Award of Excellence.

This award is presented annually to recognize individuals or teams who inspire with their commitment, drive and leadership in advancing the CAC movement.

Mr. Marshall first joined the CAC of the New Westminster Area Parole Office in 2006 (now the Metro Vancouver East Community Corrections CAC), taking over as chair shortly after. Since then, he has continued to serve CACs at the regional and national levels. A natural leader, strong speaker, and knowledgeable mentor, he has recruited and developed many CAC volunteers in the Lower Mainland.

As a CAC member, Mr. Marshall's work with community residential facilities (CRF) has been especially impactful. In addition to participating in meetings about community placements for offenders, he tours CRFs, engages with staff and offenders there, and reports his findings to CSC. He also participates in town hall meetings and public forums, answering questions from the community about CRFs. His help was instrumental to the opening of facilities in Surrey and New Westminster, including Maria Keary Cottage CRF, which saw a heritage home restored and put to use housing offenders and other marginalized populations in the local area.

Bob Marshall embodies the CAC's role as a "public presence in corrections." He combines community outreach with collaboration with CSC staff, creating invaluable partnerships and engagement that benefit all. His work contributes to public safety by helping CSC help offenders to transition safely to life in the community.

Quick Facts

• There are CACs at almost every federal institution and district parole office across Canada. Members are volunteers who come from different cultures and backgrounds, and range from university students to retirees. They support offenders while incarcerated and in the community in moving forward toward a successful reintegration. They also observe CSC's day-to day operations and provide advice on our policies, programs and services.
• Established to run every third week of January, this year the CAC Awareness Week takes place from January 14 to 20. The event is intended to increase the impact and visibility of the important role CACs play throughout the correctional process and with CSC.

Quote

"I would like to congratulate this year's James A. Murphy CAC Award of Excellence recipient, Mr. Robert Marshall. CSC is extremely grateful for the tireless efforts, advice and support given to us by CAC members like Bob. Their contributions help offenders to reintegrate into society as law abiding citizens, which makes communities across Canada safer for all."

Don Head, Commissioner, Correctional Service Canada

Associated Links

• Biography of Robert Marshall, James A. Murphy Award of Excellence page on CSC website
• Citizen Advisory Committees page on CSC website

SOURCE Correctional Services of Canada

Media Relations, Correctional Service Canada, 613-992-7711, [email protected]