Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. Among those honored are Officer Wesley Griffith and Officer Bill Koehn from the Overland Park, Kansas, Police Department.
The award is designed to recognize law enforcement officers who show exceptional dedication to building trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety. Attorney General Garland emphasized the importance of community policing by stating, “Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety. These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve. Their work is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the profound impact law enforcement can have on individuals, neighborhoods, and society.”
Officers Koehn and Griffith were acknowledged for their work in elevating community policing through education and awareness efforts focused on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). They have engaged hundreds of residents and businesses through presentations, conducted physical security assessments, and launched impactful programs that enhance crime prevention efforts while deeply engaging the community.
U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher praised their contributions by saying, “Whether they are patrolling neighborhoods, investigating criminal cases, or holding community events to build bridges between law enforcement and residents, police officers are invaluable to public safety and our justice system. The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas congratulates Officer Wesley Griffith and Officer Bill Koehn for their exceptional work.”
The award honors individual state, local, Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers who demonstrate active engagement with their communities in areas such as criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.
These awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their achievements in fostering safer communities. The Department of Justice commends these officers for their service and commitment.
For more information about the awards visit www.justice.gov.