FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF LOUIS BORDI VOORHEES PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | November 2020
I recently had the honor of recording a message of congratulations to the recipients of the New Jersey Attorney General “ Excellence in Policing Awards .” It is important that our state ’ s highest law enforcement authority recognizes our personnel for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the public they serve . It is even more important that we as Chiefs , and the agencies that we lead , do so as well .
While of course we and our supervisors informally commend our officers on a regular basis , a formal awards / recognition policy is more important than ever during these times of stress and negative attention . With so much pressure from the outside regarding our profession , recognition from within can make a meaningful statement .
A well-conceived awards policy provides a mechanism to recognize and commend the exemplary deeds of police officers for actions taken in the line of duty , or for services rendered to the department or the community when such deeds go beyond the call of duty . In no way does the lack of formal recognition through such a process intend to dismiss the hard work , sacrifice , and dedication that our employees and our public routinely display . But presenting departmental awards for meritorious service provides an important public recognition , reinforcing the department ' s commitment to the maintenance of a high standard of performance by its members , and motivating personnel to perform their duties at the highest possible level . Officers and civilian awards presented by the Chief can have a lasting effect on morale – so long as the awards are meaningful and there is a fair , equitable , and transparent system involving all levels of the department committee .
As our state has ( appropriately ) made officer resiliency a priority , recognition and appreciation , both formal and informal , is more important than ever . I know that most if not nearly all of our departments have awards policies , but if your agency does not , or if for some reason it has fallen into disuse , now would be a good time to reinvigorate or institute an official awards program for your department .
Stay safe ,
Chief Louis Bordi NJSACOP President
The NJSACOP sends its deepest condolences to the family of
Chief Brian Spring Pequannock Township Police Department
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