U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida has shared the announcement by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland about the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. This award honors law enforcement officers who excel in fostering trust, engaging with communities, and improving public safety.
Attorney General Garland stated, “All 21 of today’s awardees have demonstrated what community-oriented policing looks like in practice. They come from all different parts of the country. They represent communities of all shapes and sizes. Their typical days might not all look the same. But they are united by a deep commitment to protecting their communities.”
The award acknowledges individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers for exceptional community policing efforts in criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer remarked, “Today, we stand in the presence of extraordinary individuals who exemplify the very best of what it means to protect and serve... These awards honor those who exemplify the very best of the profession and showcase these individuals as pillars of trust, empathy, and unity.”
Recipients include Detective Matthew Newbold from Polk County Sheriff's Office (Florida), Detective Liz Grant from Kennewick Police Department (Washington), Detective Tyler Norman from Salt Lake City Police Department (Utah), Police Officer Reece Walno from Spearfish Police Department (South Dakota) under Criminal Investigations; Deputy Sheriff Jahmar Robinson from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (Florida), Lance Corporal Justin Boyd from Columbia Police Department (South Carolina), Detective/Community Policing Officer Stephen Leacroy from La Marque Police Department (Texas) under Field Operations; Corporal Adrian Maldonado and others from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (Florida) among others recognized for Innovations in Community Policing.
Director Hugh T. Clements commented on being honored to share the stage with these recipients: “I am inspired by their actions and service.”
The Justice Department selected these officers based on their achievements in creating safer communities nationwide.
For more information about the awards visit www.justice.gov.
The COPS Office within the Justice Department plays a vital role in promoting community policing across America since its establishment in 1994 with over $20 billion appropriated to advance this initiative through grants awarded to numerous law enforcement agencies nationwide.