Source: Office of United States Attorneys
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, including Officer Wesley Griffith and Officer Bill Koehn, of the Overland Park, Kansas, Police Department.
This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety.
“Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety,” said Attorney General Garland. “These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve. Their work is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the profound impact law enforcement can have on individuals, neighborhoods, and society.”
Officers Koehn and Griffith have elevated community policing to new heights through their community education and awareness building of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, (or CTPTED). From giving presentations to hundreds of residents and businesses, to conducting physical security assessments and launching impactful programs, their work has both deeply engaged the community while at the same time strengthening crime prevention efforts. Their efforts stand as a model of how all facets of community policing can be seamlessly integrated for lasting impact.
“Whether they are patrolling neighborhoods, investigating criminal cases, or holding community events to build bridges between law enforcement and residents, police officers are invaluable to public safety and our justice system. The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas congratulates Officer Wesley Griffith and Officer Bill Koehn for their exceptional work,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher.
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.
The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements in fostering safer, more inclusive communities.
The Department of Justice commends these officers for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their communities. For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov.
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