Community Foundation of Acadiana presents the Leaders in Law Enforcement Award to recognize a Louisiana Sheriff’s Department that has made outstanding contributions to law enforcement and the criminal justice profession, all while demonstrating exceptional service to their community.
Purpose
The purpose of this prestigious statewide award is to bolster morale by recognizing excellence in law enforcement, increase respect for public service, acknowledge improvements in operations, and encourage extraordinary performance among all Sheriff’s Departments. The award will be presented at a ceremony to be held August 8, 2023 from 11:00am - 1:00pm in Lafayette, LA.
Award
This annual award is presented by Community Foundation of Acadiana. As a gift from the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, the winning department will receive a $40,000 award to be used at their discretion to improve operations and continue to encourage extraordinary performance.
Awards Panel
Comprised of: (a minimum of 3) persons who are associated with law enforcement and familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Department and (1) non-voting representative from The Community Foundation of Acadiana.
Application
Complete the online application and submit electronically to Community Foundation of Acadiana by 9:00pm March 31, 2023.
The application must include the following:
- Description of department activitie(s) and accomplishment(s) deemed outstanding or significant. Within the parameters of the department’s resources, list exceptional work and timeframe of work being done in the community and describe impact level on community. See criteria below for examples. (no more than 1500 words)
Criteria
This award is intended to recognize a Sheriff’s Department that has been exceptional. Based on the resources of the department, it has made a significant and measurable impact on its community. Factors can include, but are not limited to:
- Program(s) implemented to increase public confidence in law enforcement;
- Objective measures of year to year improved law enforcement, such as case clearance rates;
- Programs making the justice system more accessible to and supportive of victims;
- Efficient use of and accountability for tax dollars;
- Progress in professional development of personnel and their retention;
- Integration of new law enforcement and prosecution technology;
- Efficient handling of natural disasters, terrorist activities or other situations requiring mass mobilization, coordination and management of resources;
- Acts enhancing the reputation of Louisiana law enforcement.
*The panel will only review the supporting information listed on the application. If additional information is needed, the panel will reach out to your office to obtain that information.