LAW ENFORCEMENT

In neighborhoods throughout Norfolk --- law enforcement personnel are stepping up to the expanding role of today’s crime fighter.

Catching criminals, investigating crime trends and educating the public on how to avoid becoming a victim are all important.

But, the often complex issues that impact safety and quality of life in Norfolk require more creativity and dedication than ever before.

Our next award winner certainly fills the role as resource to the community. As one nominator puts it – when needed, this officer

• Rides a bike
• Works to resolve zoning issues
• Facilitates community meetings
• Teaches
• Writes training curriculum
• Deals with community problems
• Puts people in jail
• Helps the helpless
• And, even in those rare cases when there is no action to be taken, this officer is willing to listen to a resident’s concern.

Here are some examples:

This officer generously supports the Citizens Police Academy and its alumni association, reviewing and revising academy curriculum, supporting the CPAAN and Fraternal Order of Police “shop With A Cop” program and the Bayview Recreation Center toy drive.

In two instances sighted by the nominator, the officer joined with co-workers to help the homeless:

By partnering with the Jewish Community Center to find a safe, clean environment for a man living in a burned out apartment;  

And, obtaining a wheelchair for a women unable to walk, and then working with hotels in Ocean View to get this person out of the cold during the winter.

Said her nominator, “Everybody I asked said she is the kind of person who quietly moves in the background doing what needs to be done and asking nothing in return.”

It is my pleasure to announce the winner of the 2008 Law Enforcement Award, Community Resource Officer Judy Williams.