The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) announced at their annual conference that 10 agencies were selected to receive the 2014 IACP and Cisco Systems Community Policing Award, including the Highland Village Police Department.
The award, in its 17th year, recognizes outstanding community policing initiatives by law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Five agencies were selected as winners, four agencies were selected as finalists, and one agency was given special recognition for efforts involving homeland security.
The Highland Village Police Department won for their Operation Shield program, a partnership with Highland Village businesses. The program is designed to deter and prevent business burglaries through the installation of a metal “shield” on doorways for reinforcement.
The shield helps prevent a burglar from prying open the rear door of a business. Highland Village police and civilian auxiliary members furnish and install the shields at no charge to the business.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this excellent organization and community both of which truly understand the values of community policing. There were many businesses and department members who were and are currently involved in this initiative, but without the contributions from Chief Ed O’Bara (retired), Assistant Chief Mark Stewart, Corporal David Harney, Corporal Jesse Peterson, Public Safety Officers Dick Williams and Steve Jones and Lowes, the program would never have been initiated. Thank you to all of you for the collaborative and focused efforts of this model program which will only continue to enhance public safety in not only our community, but also across the country,” stated Highland Village Police Chief Doug Reim.
“Recent events demonstrate that community policing is central to the success of the police mission as we provide quality services to, and build relationships with, our diverse communities,” said IACP President Yost Zakhary.”I applaud those recognized with this prestigious award and know that what they have created in their communities will positively impact the law enforcement community worldwide.”
Law enforcement agencies were eligible to be nominated in five categories based on population size. This year’s recognized agencies are examples of community policing best practices. Their entries demonstrate the meaningful change that can occur when law enforcement officials and their communities are empowered to utilize all available resources for crime prevention and improvement of quality of life.
The five winners and the population categories they represent include:
Highland Village, Texas, Police Department (population fewer than 20,000 residents)
Leesburg, Virginia, Police Department (co-Winner, population of 20,001 to 50,000 residents)
Madison City, Alabama, Police Department (co-Winner, Population of 20,001 to 50,000 residents)
Boise, Idaho, Police Department (population of 100,001 to 250,000 residents)
Nassau County, New York, Police Department (population of 250,000+ residents)
Laurie Mullens handles communications for the City of Highland Village.
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