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 leadership. The awards for leadership recognize those who demonstrate excellence in the establishment and management of law enforcement programs which meet the specific needs of their community. These agencies and individuals go above and beyond to provide quality services through programmatic efforts and community relations.

IACP/BodyWorn by Utility Leadership in Volunteer Police Service Programs Award

The IACP/BodyWorn by Utility Leadership in Volunteer Police Service Programs Award recognizes volunteer programs that demonstrate innovative, effective practices for augmenting sworn or civilian staff and/or improving service delivery to their communities. Established in 2003, the goal of the award program is to recognize the value that volunteers provide to state and local law enforcement and to institutionalize the theories and practices of the United States’ Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program. This award promotes leadership among law enforcement agencies to develop and implement creative and effective law enforcement volunteer programs. Learn more about BodyWorn by Utility.

Orange County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Reserve Deputy Program, developed in 1964, has demonstrated exemplary leadership in law enforcement, volunteering a collective 26,303 hours in 2017. As the fifth largest county in Florida, Orange County hosts a resident population of nearly 1.2 million, Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and the second largest convention center and university in the United States. The Reserve Deputies participate in uniform patrol, enforcement details, continuing education training, and community events to support the work of OCSO. This program has made a positive impact in hurricane relief, school security, suspect apprehension, traffic safety, community relations, and life-saving measures. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit members show an unwavering commitment to duty, to the Sheriff’s Office, and to members of the community to make a difference in Orange County.

Denver, Colorado, Police Department
The Denver Police Department Volunteers in Police Service Program has demonstrated excellence in the development, management, and implementation of a volunteer program. Their volunteers provide a wide variety of services including technical support through fingerprinting, photography, and database management; administrative support; training scenarios; community events; and management of the Denver Police Museum and COP Shop. Since its inception in 2004, 1,353 citizens have volunteered over 450,000 hours to assist the department. This significant contribution of time has saved the city of Denver over $10.6 million. The Volunteers in Police Service Program  supports activities performed by the Denver Police Department, leading to a safer and more engaged community.

IACP Leadership in Human and Civil Rights Award

The IACP Leadership in Human and Civil Rights Award recognizes agencies and individuals who have demonstrated leadership in protecting fundamental rights. This award showcases the achievements of agencies and individuals in protecting and promoting human and civil rights to enhance public trust and maintain cooperation and partnerships with communities.

Agency
Calaveras County, California, Sheriff’s Office
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Calaveras County Health and Human Services to address police response to incidents involving mental illness. Due to the shortage of available psychiatric treatment facilities in the area, law enforcement is often called to respond when persons affected by mental illness are in crisis and have two options: a visit to the emergency room or incarceration. The partnership between the Calaveras County Health and Human Services and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the formation of the Behavioral Health Triage Program, where a mental health case manager is assigned to respond with officers to calls involving persons affected by mental illness. The case manager is often able to divert the individual away from hospitals and jails, following up with needed services. This effort has resulted in fewer repeat calls and less time spent by officers handling these cases.  Most importantly, the human and civil rights of those persons are protected by ensuring they receive appropriate treatment rather than immediate incarceration.

Individual
Commissioner Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat
Rachakonda Police Commissionerate, Telangana State, India
Commissioner Bhagwat is recognized for his leadership in rescuing over 750 children from forced labor and providing them with the opportunity to get an education. Telangana state in India is a developing area with a population of 40 million. Many citizens work as laborers making bricks, glass, and carpets. When families migrate to find work, their children often become a victim of human trafficking and are forced to work in hazardous conditions as child laborers. These children are provided no basic human rights including education, fair pay and work hours, and basic amenities, all of which can have severe psychological impacts. Commissioner Bhagwat and the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate liberated the child laborers in “Operation Smile”. Because of Commissioner Bhagwat’s leadership in taking appropriate police action and enlisting assistance from other agencies, employers are now required to provide schools, teachers, textbooks, meals, and basic human necessities to families so that their children can be children. This has become a model of action for other areas throughout India.