The NJ Police Chief Magazine - Vol. 27, Number 2 | Page 10

September 17 , 2020

Dear Law Enforcement Executive :

I am pleased to announce the first-ever Attorney General ’ s Excellence in Policing Awards , to recognize the hard work , dedication and professionalism displayed by so many of New Jersey ’ s law enforcement agencies , officers and professionals .

We are experiencing tumultuous times , with the convergence of two unique historical events : the COVID-19 pandemic and a national dialogue and call to action about systemic racism . Your agencies and your officers have risen to these challenges , further proving that New Jersey is home to the finest law enforcement officers in the county .

Although an in-person ceremony is not possible , a virtual ceremony will be held on Monday , November 9 , 2020 , to celebrate and highlight the tremendous service of all those selected .

I seek your nominations of outstanding candidates for the following eight categories of awards : �

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Detective Pablo Santiago Resiliency Award – A Police Officer who developed an innovative program or initiative to improve officer safety and wellness . Named for Mercer County Sheriff ’ s Office Detective Pablo Santiago who lost his life to suicide in December 2018 . Detective Santiago ’ s untimely death was the inspiration for the Attorney General ’ s Statewide Law Enforcement Resiliency Program . Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award – A Police Officer who demonstrated an act of extraordinary bravery or heroism in the line of duty . Named for Detective Joseph Seals , a 13-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department , who lost his life in the line of duty in December 2019 . Detective Seals ’ actions in December 2019 likely saved the lives of many others . No stranger to heroism , in 2008 , Detective Seals broke through a window and stopped the rape of a 41-year-old woman on Christmas Eve . Outstanding Youth Engagement Award – A Police Officer who designed and implemented an innovative program or initiative to promote stronger police-youth engagement . Attorney General ’ s 21 / 21 Award – A County Prosecutor ’ s Office which exhibited outstanding community outreach efforts in advancing the Attorney General ’ s 21 County 21st Century Community Policing Project . Attorney General ’ s Initiative Award – A Police Department or County Prosecutor ’ s Office which demonstrated outstanding efforts toward advancing one of the Attorney General ’ s key initiatives , namely “ Combatting the Opioid Crisis ,” “ Reducing Gun Violence ” and “ Police-Community Relations .” Innovations in Public Safety Award – A Police Department or County Prosecutor ’ s Office which developed an innovative program or initiative utilizing community policing practices or community-based intervention services to promote public safety . This may also include the use of technology to effectively promote community engagement and outreach .

HUGHES JUSTICE COMPLEX ∙ TELEPHONE : ( 609 ) 292-4925 FAX : ( 609 ) 292-3508 New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer ∙ Printed on Recycled Paper and Recyclable

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