Ontario Women in Law Enforcement

Detective Sergeant Heather Kewley - Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement in Law Enforcement

Detective Sergeant Heather Kewley has been an OPP officer for 22 years. During that time she was instrumental in the investigation of several "hate" crimes in the Otttawa area in the late 1980's and early 1990's, before attention was focused on "hate crimes". This investigation involved 10 homicides which had been labeled as suicides, involving gay men. D/Sgt. Kewley was able to dig up enough information to have these cases re-opened and re-investigated by the Ottawa Police Service.

Det. Sgt. Kewley was one of the lead investigators in the "Project Toy" double homicide investigation that commenced in 1991 and was not completed until 2001. This 10 year, all consuming investigation involved two victims who were murdered execution-style in their home by four assailants. Over 10 years, two separate hearings, 20 different defence counsels, hostile, reluctant witnesses and mountains of paperwork, Det. Sgt. Kewley maintained her professionalism and resolve. She won the respect of police officers, crown attorney's, defence councils and judges. All four accused were convicted.

During the last few years of Project Toy Heather took on the responsibility of Abuse Issues Co-ordinator. She has a genuine compassion and understanding for victims of crime and has used her knowledge and experience to promote and train volunteers and police officers in the investigation and support of victims of abuse.

Heather's tireless commitment, honesty, professionalism and personable nature are qualities that are admired by her co-workers. She has been a role model to many and continues to lead by example. As Acting Detective Inspector Vince Hawkes wrote recently "Her dedication, determination and desire for excellence has propelled her stature to a level seldom achieved by any police officer."

Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2002 winner of the Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement in Law Enforcement, Detective Sergeant Heather Kewley of the Ontario Provincial Police.