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.