Rick Smith, Chief of Police
1 Union St.
Wakefield, MA 01880
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Wakefield Police Department Recognized for Community Policing by the International Association of Chiefs of Police
WAKEFIELD — Police Chief Rick Smith is proud to announce that the Wakefield Police Department has been named a finalist in the 2014 International Association of Chiefs (IACP) and Cisco Systems of Police annual Community Policing Award.
In a tremendous affirmation of the department’s work in its community, the Wakefield Police Department is one of only 10 police departments in the world to receive this recognition.
“I am incredibly proud of each member of the Wakefield Police Department for their unparalleled commitment to community policing,” Chief Smith said. “This is an amazing honor for our 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.
Five police departments were named “winners.” Wakefield was named one of four “finalists.” The 10th department received special recognition for its commitment to homeland security.
“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.”
Police departments and other law enforcement agencies were eligible to be nominated in five categories, grouped by the population of their community. The awards recognize agencies as the best examples of community policing practice, and they are meant to demonstrate that meaningful change can occur when police and their communities work together, using all available resources, to prevent crime and improve the quality of life.
“Citizens need to trust the police and feel that they are partners in addressing community issues. Everyone needs a voice. This happens by implementing the community policing philosophy and working together to make our communities safer, whether it be from crime or from terrorism,” said Todd A. Miller, chair of the IACP Community Policing Committee. “The agencies selected this year demonstrate the importance of the community oriented policing philosophy in solving problems and enhancing service.”
Winners:
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)
Finalists:
DeWitt, Iowa, Police Department (Population fewer than 20,000)
Wakefield, Massachusetts, Police Department (Population of 20,001 to 50,000)
Aurora, Illinois, Police Department (Population of 100,001 to 250,000 residents)
Community Police Department, Ministry of Interior, UAE (Population of 250,000+ residents)
Special Recognition:
Visakhapatnam Rural Police, Andhra Pradesh, India
The Wakefield Police Department, along with the nine other departments will be honored at the IACP’s 121st Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla. at a special awards reception on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. For more information, visit IACP Community Policing Committee website at www.iacpcommunitypolicing.org.
About the IACP
The International Association of Chiefs of Police is a dynamic organization that serves as the professional voice of law enforcement. Building on our past success, the IACP addresses cutting edge issues confronting law enforcement though advocacy, programs and research, as well as training and other professional services. IACP is a comprehensive professional organization that supports the law enforcement leaders of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow.
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