HISTORY OF THE ATLANTIC BYLAW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

The Atlantic Bylaw Officers Association (ABOA) was founded in 1989 by Joyce Jess-Stevens, an Unsightly Premises Bylaw Enforcement Officer with the Municipality of the County of Kings, Nova Scotia. Originally named the Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Association of Nova Scotia (MLEOANS), the Association was created to address the lack of standardized training and to improve professional collaboration among bylaw officers. It was formally registered in 1993 and later expanded to include members from across the Atlantic provinces.

The Association is guided by six core objectives: promoting professional collaboration, establishing standards of practice, encouraging knowledge sharing, supporting education and training, cooperating with municipal and government partners, and fostering positive public relations.

ABOA held its first training session in May 1990 and has continued to host an annual AGM, conference, and training event each spring.

In 2004, the Association adopted the name Atlantic Bylaw Officers Association to reflect its regional membership. In 2007, work began on developing an Officer Certification Program, leading to the creation of the Certified Bylaw Enforcement Officer (CBEO) designation. The Association continues to develop training materials and advocate for mandatory certification across the Atlantic provinces.

ABOA has also played a key role in improving officer safety, including partnering with the Province of Nova Scotia to expand access to the Trunked Mobile Radio (TMR) system for Bylaw Officers.

From just over a dozen members in 1989, ABOA has grown to more than 100 members today, representing a wide range of municipal and enforcement professionals. The Association continues to grow by strengthening partnerships and promoting professional excellence across Canada.

ABOA Brochure          ABOA Bylaw