Over the next several weeks, the International Association of Chiefs of Police will recognize the 2018 IACP Leadership Award Winners, who have made meaningful contributions to both their communities, and law enforcement as a whole. Their achievements are representative of the incredible leadership displayed by police organizations across the globe.

This week will focus on emerging issues and safety and wellness. Awards given in the Emerging Issues category recognize those who are leading law enforcement into the future by working to address the challenges presented by a constantly evolving world. Awards honor those working in fields such as research, public information, and technology. Awards given for Safety & Wellness recognize programs and individuals that proactively engage employees in initiatives that increase overall officer wellness and/or reduce line-of-duty injuries or deaths.

IACP/Laura and John Arnold Foundation Leadership in Law Enforcement Research Award

The IACP/Laura and John Arnold Foundation Leadership in Law Enforcement Research Award recognizes law enforcement agencies that demonstrate excellence in conducting and using research to improve police operations and public safety. The goal of this award is to promote the establishment of effective partnerships among law enforcement agencies and researchers. Learn more about the Laura and John Arnold Foundation.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, Police Department
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, Police Department (CMPD) and the University of Chicago Center for Data Science and Public Policy (DSaPP) closely coordinated for three years to build and deploy the first data-driven Early Intervention System for police officers. Connected through the White House Police Data Initiative, an effort to bring together law enforcement and technologist to use data to improve policing, CMPD provided data, subject-matter expertise, and web development, while DSaPP provided machine-learning expertise. This project demonstrated a sophisticated use of data, science, and technology while addressing one of the most difficult problems for law enforcement – identifying and correcting problems in performance before they occur.

IACP Leadership in Public Information Management Award

The IACP Leadership in Public Information Management Award recognizes the accomplishments of an individual public information officer and their ability to effectively disseminate information to the public. Special consideration will be given to nominees who demonstrate innovative use of social media and successful informative management during a critical incident.

Lieutenant Christopher Cook 
Arlington, Texas, Police Department
Lieutenant Christopher Cook of the Arlington, Texas, Police Department, he has overseen the public information office at the Arlington Police Department since 2011 leading to significant increases in social media presence and traction. During a critical incident over Thanksgiving weekend in 2017, an Arlington Police Department Officer shot and wounded a theft suspect in a crowded mall. Due to the gravity and public nature of the incident, misinformation spread quickly. Lieutenant Cook maintained professionalism including promptly responding to media inquiries, understanding the community and internal city concerns, and developing a strategy to ensure accurate information was being released. Additionally, he remained sensitive to all parties involved, showing emotional intelligence when faced with complex issues and understanding of the importance of transparency. Lieutenant Cook’s ability to manage critical incidents in a professional manner was vital to the Arlington Police Department’s success during this critical incident.

IACP Leadership in the Field of Police and Public Safety Psychology Award

The IACP Leadership in the Field of Police and Public Safety Psychology Award provides recognition of significant contributions towards supporting law enforcement and advancing the field of police psychology. This recognition is designed to foster efforts towards continuing to advance the mission of the field of Police Psychology as a whole.

Dr. Edrick Dorian
Police Psychologist
Los Angeles, California, Police Department
Dr. Edrick Dorian works as a Police Psychologist for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in California providing assessments, clinical services, training, and operational support. He also plays an important role as a consultant for the SWAT Crisis Negotiation Team. Board Certified in both Clinical Psychology and Police and Public Safety Psychology, Dr. Dorian specializes in working with veterans, as well as helping officers prepare for civil litigation. Dr. Dorian co-edited the textbook Police Psychology and its Growing Impact on Modern Law Enforcement; one of many contributions he has made to his field. He continues to show leadership by sharing his knowledge as an Instructor at Pepperdine University, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the California Commissioner on Peace Officer Standards and Training.