Lexington Police Department · GO 2011-03F Awards and Commendations Page 2 of 22 Honorable:...

Lexington Police Department Lexington, Kentucky

GENERAL ORDER BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE

G.O. 2011-03F Awards and Commendations Rescinds: GO 2011-03E

Effective Date: 09/18/17 Distribution All Department Employees

Originally Issued: 1993

I. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish the procedures for officially recognizing acts of extraordinary achievement and meritorious service performed by officers and civilian employees, as well as recognizing members of the public and other law enforcement officials who provide commendable assistance to the police department and/or to the community. II. POLICY It is the policy of the Lexington Police Department to promote and administer an awards and commendations nomination system and awards and commendations program designed to acknowledge employees, members of the public, and other law enforcement officials who have performed outstanding acts worthy of recognition. A central awards and commendations nomination system will facilitate equal and objective opportunity for recognition of outstanding achievement. Recognitions shall be accomplished through the presentation of specific awards and commendations as described within this policy. III. DEFINITIONS Active: Engaged in full-time service. Bravery: The act of facing or enduring danger with courage. Courage: Firmness of mind and will in the face of danger, fear, or extreme difficulty. Dedicated: Devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose. Distinguished: Marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence. Duty: Obligatory tasks, conduct, service, or functions that arise from ones’ position. Esteem: The regard in which one is held; regard highly and prize accordingly. Extraordinary: Going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary. Heroism: Conduct exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end. Honor: A showing of merited respect and esteem in recognition of duty, integrity, and sacrifice.

GO 2011-03F Awards and Commendations Page 2 of 22

Honorable: Characterized by integrity: guided by a high sense of honor and duty. Imminent: Ready to take place; impending. Integrity: A firm adherence to a code of moral values. Merit: A praiseworthy quality, character, or conduct reflecting high achievement and deserving of reward, honor, or esteem.

Meritorious: Deserving of honor or esteem. Service: Contribution to the welfare of others. Severe: Of a great degree; serious. Superior: One that surpasses another in quality or merit. Valor: A strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness and to act with exemplary courage and determination. IV. AWARDS FOR DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES A. Medal of Honor

1. The Medal of Honor is presented to the family of any officer killed in the line of duty.

2. This award is presented by the Chief of Police.

3. The award is Blackinton medal #A1789 with a “Medal of Honor” lettered panel (#A7125) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “Hi-Glo.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “windsor” ribbon #RC-3 (red/white/blue) and will be awarded with a walnut deluxe presentation case.

4. The Medal of Honor will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

B. Medal of Valor

1. The Medal of Valor is presented to an officer for extraordinary act(s) of heroism and/or personal courage which extend far and above the normal demands of police service. The action undertaken by the officer was done so willingly, unselfishly, and with full knowledge of the risks involved. The objective of the action was of sufficient importance to justify the risk. The act(s) involved must have been performed under honorable conditions and must adhere to appropriate police procedures.



3. The award is Blackinton medal #A8365 with “Medal of Valor” and “Lexington Police Department” in blue lettering. The medal finish is “Hi-Glo.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon and ribbon bar #RC-5 (blue) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case. 4. The Medal of Valor will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

C. Purple Heart Award

1. The Purple Heart award is presented to an officer who sustains a severe physical injury or wound while performing an act in the line of duty and directly related to a police function. The act(s) involved must have been performed under honorable conditions and must adhere to appropriate police procedures.


3. The award is Blackinton medal #A3282 with a “Purple Heart” lettered panel (#A6823Z) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “karatclad.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon and ribbon bar #RC-45 (purple) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.

4. The Purple Heart award will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

D. Medal of Merit

1. The Medal of Merit is presented to any employee for courageous service of exceptional character. The award reflects a single act of courage under conditions where bravery or valor is involved. While this act is of lesser magnitude than required for the Medal of Valor, it nonetheless was performed under circumstances considered to be more than the ordinary hazards of service. The act(s) involved must have been performed under honorable conditions and must adhere to appropriate police procedures.


3. The award is Blackinton medal # A4131 with a “Medal of Merit” lettered panel (# A7124) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “karatclad.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon and ribbon bar # RC-23 (green/white/green) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.

4. The Medal of Merit will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.


E. Life Saving Award

1. The Life Saving award is presented to an employee who unquestionably saved the life of another person by taking direct, immediate, and positive action to preserve the life of another person who was in real and imminent danger of dying. Evidence indicates that the action of the employee was the lifesaving act itself, or the action did prolong a human life to the point the victim was released to the care of emergency medical authorities.


3. The award is Blackinton medal # A1595 with a “Life Saving” lettered panel (# A6823R) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “karatclad.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The Life Saving medal will include “neck” ribbon and ribbon bar #RC-1 (red) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.

4. The Life Saving award will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

F. Distinguished Service Award

1. The Distinguished Service award is presented to any employee for dedicated effort of extraordinary character. The award reflects outstanding professional performance involving a single act or project that contributed in significant measure to the success of a major endeavor; or sustained superior service to the department and/or community in a demanding position over an extended period of time. Superior performance of a normal duty will not ordinarily justify presentation of this award.


3. The award is Blackinton medal #A5499 with a “Distinguished Service” lettered panel (#A6823 M) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “Hi-Glo.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon and ribbon bar #RC-22 (gold) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.

4. The Distinguished Service award will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

G. Professional Esteem Award

1. The Professional Esteem award is presented to an employee who performed their duties, a service or project in an exemplary manner and is easily identifiable as having earned the esteem of fellow employees. The actions of the employee also represent the department in a positive manner.



3. The award is Blackinton medal #A2084 with a “Professional Esteem” lettered panel (#A6823 M) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “karatclad.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon and ribbon bar #RC-30 (blue and gold) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.

4. The Professional Esteem award will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

H. Meritorious Service Award

1. The Meritorious Service award is presented to an officer or civilian employee who, upon retirement, has completed 25 or more actual years of active and honorable service with the police department.

2. This award is presented by the Chief of Police at a retirement ceremony coordinated by the Chief’s Office.

3. The recipient selects the award from the appropriate below category: a. Officer awards 1. Recipient’s shirt badge (et. al.) encased in acrylic

2. Recipient’s shirt badge (et. al.) mounted in a presentation case 3. Presentation case 4. Other award designated by the Chief of Police

b. Civilian employee awards

1. Civilian employees will be offered a choice of desk or wall clock with an engraved plate

2. Other award designated by the Chief of Police

4. Award eligibility is calculated by using official hiring and retirement dates, deducting lapses in service and/or purchased years of service. Employees retiring under less than honorable circumstances will not receive this award.

5. The Chief of Police is the sole authority regarding issuance of this award.

6. The award is presented in addition to the below Retirement Service award.

I. Retirement Service Award

1. The Retirement Service award is presented to an officer or civilian employee who:


a. Retires from the police department based on years of service with the police department.

1. Officers with 20+ years of police service, including any purchased years of service

2. Civilian employees with 20+ years of service, including any purchased years of service

b. Retires based upon a work-related disability

2. This award is presented by the Chief of Police at retirement ceremony coordinated by the Chief’s Office.

3. The award is a police retirement certificate mounted on a plaque.

J. Police Officer of the Year/ Detective of the Year/ Uniformed Officer of the Year

1. The Police Officer of the Year award is presented to a department officer of any rank who has consistently demonstrated the highest standard of performance and exceptional achievement by their conduct, professionalism, work ethic, motivation, and whose formal or informal leadership qualities exemplify a role model within the organization. The job performance and conduct described in the nomination must have occurred during the preceding one year time period identified by the Chief’s Office to be eligible for Police Officer of the Year consideration. A singular action or achievement is not eligible for consideration under these criteria and should instead be submitted for nomination to the Awards and Commendations Committee as outlined in section VII. Any department employee may nominate a sworn officer of any rank for award consideration.

2. The Police Officer of the Year award recipient, along with the Detective of the Year and the Uniformed Officer of the Year awards recipients, will be officially announced and recognized by the Chief of Police at the annual Police Awards Banquet. The Police Officer of the Year recipient will officially serve in that capacity until the next annual banquet. The Police Officer of the Year award, the Detective of the Year award and the Uniformed Officer of the Year award, as well as attendant recognitions and duties, are the sole purview of the Chief of Police.

a. The Police Officer of the Year award recipient will also receive a Blackinton Enameled Bar (A10802-LS) in a Blue/White/Blue (DR6_73/White/DR6_73) pattern, with a year engraved on the center white portion of the bar. The specific year engraved on the enameled bar denotes the actual year for which the officer is being honored.

3. Nominations for the Police Officer of the Year award will be submitted to the Chief’s Office as directed. Sufficient documentation in support of the nomination will be included. Any department employee may nominate any sworn officer of any rank for award consideration. Nominees who have received formal discipline during any part of


the previous or current calendar year will be ineligible for consideration. Previous Police Officer of the Year recipients are ineligible for renomination for five years. Previous Detective of the Year and Uniformed Officer of the Year recipients are ineligible for renomination for the Police Officer of the Year award for three years. 4. All nominations shall be submitted by the Chief of Police to the Awards and Commendations Committee for verification of eligibility, review and recommendations. The committee chairperson will coordinate a selection process to reduce all eligible nominees into a group of ranked finalists. All eligible nominations, including the recommended ranked finalists and supporting documentation, will be forwarded by the chairperson to the Chief of Police for final review and selection. 5. The Awards and Commendations Committee will rank the nominations as follows:

a. The highest ranked eligible nominee (regardless of assignment or rank) determined to best exemplify the criteria for Police Officer of the Year will be recommended to receive the Police Officer of the Year award. Sergeants and above who are nominated separately for Supervisor of the Year will also be automatically eligible for consideration for this award.

b. Recommendations for Detective of the Year award and Uniformed Officer of the Year award will be made from the remaining eligible nominees. The recommended Detective of the Year will reflect the qualities listed above associated with the performance of duties while assigned to the Bureau of Investigation. The recommended Uniformed Officer of the Year will reflect the qualities listed above associated with the performance of duties while working in any assignment other than in the Bureau of Investigation. Sergeants and above are not eligible for consideration for Detective of the Year or Uniformed Officer of the Year.

6. The review process and the voting outcomes of the Awards and Commendations Committee are confidential.

K. Supervisor of the Year

1. The Supervisor of the Year award is presented to a department sworn officer of the rank of sergeant or above, or a civilian employee supervisor, who consistently demonstrates the highest standards of performance, professionalism and work ethic in their job assignment and in the development, management and guidance of their employees. Their leadership qualities also exemplify a role model within the organization. 2. The Supervisor of the Year award recipient will be officially announced and recognized by the Chief of Police at the annual Police Awards Banquet. The recipient will officially serve as Supervisor of the Year until the next annual banquet. The Supervisor of the Year award, as well as attendant recognition and duties, are the sole purview of the Chief of Police.


3. Nominations for the Supervisor of the Year award will be submitted to the Chief’s Office as directed. Sufficient documentation is support of the nomination will be included. Any department employee may nominate any supervisor for award consideration. Nominees who have received any form of discipline during any part of the previous or current calendar year or have any disciplinary matters pending will be ineligible for consideration. Previous Supervisor of the Year recipients are ineligible for renomination for three years. 4. All nominations will be submitted by the Chief of Police to the Awards and Commendations Committee for verification of eligibility, review and recommendations. The committee chairperson will coordinate a selection process. All eligible nominations, including the recommended ranked finalists and supporting documentation, will be forwarded by the chairperson to the Chief of Police for final review and selection. Sworn nominees eligible for the Supervisor of the Year award will also be automatically considered by the Awards and Commendations Committee for the Police Officer of the Year award. 5. The review process and the voting outcomes of the Awards and Commendations Committee are confidential.

L. Civilian Employee of the Year

1. The Civilian Employee of the Year award is presented to a department civilian employee who has consistently demonstrated a positive and professional work ethic, displays initiative and willingness to perform job tasks in a consistently outstanding manner, enthusiastically accepts and adapts to new job challenges, cooperates with and assists fellow employees and the public as needed and has an excellent attendance record. A singular action or achievement is not eligible for consideration under these criteria, and should instead be submitted for nomination to the Awards and Commendations Committee as outlined in section VIII. 2. The Civilian Employee of the Year recipient will be officially announced and recognized by the Chief of Police at the annual Police Awards Banquet. The Civilian Employee of the Year will officially serve in that capacity until the next annual banquet. The Civilian Employee of the Year award, as well as attendant recognition and duties, are the sole purview of the Chief of Police. 3. Nominations for the Civilian Employee of the Year award will be submitted to the Chief’s Office as directed. Sufficient documentation in support of the nomination will be included. Any department employee may nominate any full-time civilian employee for award consideration. Nominees who have received any sustained formal discipline during any part of the previous or current calendar year or have any disciplinary matters pending will be ineligible for consideration. Previous Civilian Employee of the Year recipients must wait five years before being eligible again for this award. 4. All nominations will be submitted by the Chief of Police to the Awards and Commendations Committee for verification of eligibility, review and recommendations. The committee chairperson will coordinate a selection process to


reduce all eligible nominees into a group of ranked finalists. All eligible nominations, including the recommended ranked finalists and supporting documentation, will be forwarded by the chairperson to the Chief of Police for final review and selection. 5. The review process and the voting outcomes of the Awards and Commendations Committee are confidential.

M. Field Training Officer of the Year

1. The Field Training Officer of the Year award is presented to a department active Field Training Officer who consistently demonstrates the highest standard of performance, professionalism and work ethic in the training and development of recruit police officers and whose formal and informal leadership qualities exemplify a role model within the organization. The job performance and conduct described in the nomination must have occurred during the preceding one year time period identified by the Chief’s Office to be eligible for Field Training Officer of the Year consideration. 2. The Field Training Officer of the Year award recipient will be officially announced and recognized by the Chief of Police at the annual Police Awards Banquet. The recipient will officially serve as Field Training Officer of the Year until the next annual banquet. The Field Training Officer of the Year award, as well as attendant recognition and duties, are the sole purview of the Chief of Police.

3. Nominations for the Field Training Officer of the Year award will be submitted to the Chief’s Office as directed. Sufficient documentation in support of the nomination will be included. Any department employee may nominate any active Field Training Officer for award consideration. Nominees who have received any form of discipline during any part of the previous or current calendar year or have any disciplinary matters pending will be ineligible for consideration. Previous Field Training Officer of the Year recipients must wait three years before being eligible again for this award.

4. All nominations will be submitted by the Chief of Police to the Awards and Commendations Committee for verification of eligibility, review and recommendations. The committee chairperson will coordinate a selection process to reduce all eligible nominees into a group of ranked finalists. All eligible nominations, including the recommended ranked finalists and supporting documentation, will be forwarded by the chairperson to the Chief of Police for final review and selection.

5. The review process and the voting outcomes of the Awards and Commendations Committee are confidential.

N. Customer Service of the Year Award

1. The Customer Service of the Year award is presented to a department employee who consistently demonstrates a courteous and professional ethic while responding to the needs of their internal or external customers. A singular action or achievement is not eligible for consideration for this award and should instead be submitted for nomination to the Awards and Commendations Committee as outlined in Section VIII.


2. The Customer Service of the Year award recipient will be officially announced and recognized by the Chief of Police at the annual Police Awards Banquet. The recipient will officially serve in that capacity until the next annual banquet. The Customer Service of the Year award, as well as attendant recognition and duties, are the sole purview of the Chief of Police.

3. Nominations for the Customer Service of the Year awards will be submitted to the Chief’s Office as directed. Sufficient documentation in support of the nomination will be included. Any department employee may nominate another department employee for award consideration. Nominees who have received any form of discipline during any part of the previous or current calendar year or have any disciplinary matters pending will be ineligible for consideration. Previous Customer Service of the Year recipients must wait three years before being eligible again for this award. 4. All nominations will be submitted by the Chief of Police to the Awards and Commendations Committee for verification of eligibility, review and recommendations. The committee chairperson will coordinate a selection process to reduce all eligible nominees into a group of ranked finalists. All eligible nominations, including the recommended ranked finalists and supporting documentation, will be forwarded by the chairperson to the Chief of Police for final review and selection. 5. The review process and the voting outcomes of the Awards and Commendations Committee are confidential.

O. Law Day Law Enforcement Award

1. The Law Day Law Enforcement Award is presented in even numbered years to a department employee who has consistently demonstrated the highest standard of performance and exceptional achievement by their conduct, professionalism, work ethic, and motivation and whose formal or informal leadership qualities exemplify a role model within the organization. The job performance and conduct described in the nomination must have occurred for a significant time within the nominee’s police department career to be eligible for the Law Day Law Enforcement Award. A singular action or achievement is not eligible for consideration and should instead be submitted for nomination to the Awards and Commendations Committee as outlined in Section VIII. 2. This award is presented at the Law Day luncheon, which is hosted by the Fayette Circuit Court and the Fayette County Bar Association. The Chief of Police will introduce the recipient during the Law Day awards ceremony, which is held annually on or about the first of May.

3. Nominations for the Law Day Law Enforcement award will be submitted to the Chief’s Office as directed. Sufficient documentation in support of the nomination will be included with the memorandum. Any department employee may nominate another employee for award consideration. Nominees who have received any form of discipline during any part of the previous or current calendar year or have any disciplinary matters pending will be ineligible for consideration. Law Day Law Enforcement award


recipients are ineligible for renomination for this award.

4. All nominations will be submitted by the Chief of Police to the Awards and Commendations Committee for verification of eligibility, review and recommendations. The committee chairperson will coordinate a selection process to reduce all eligible nominees into a group of ranked finalists. All eligible nominations, including recommended ranked finalists and supporting documentation, will be forwarded by the chairperson to the Chief of Police for final review and selection.

5. The Chief of Police will direct a designee to coordinate with the Fayette County Bar Association regarding the department’s nominee for the Law Day Law Enforcement award.

6. The review process and voting outcomes of the Awards and Commendations Committee are confidential. V. COMMENDATIONS FOR DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES A. Professional Service

1. The Professional Service commendation is presented to any department employee in recognition of work or service that is completed in a highly professional manner and exceeds the requirements of normal duty. The job performance does not meet the criteria for any other aforementioned awards or commendations.

2. This commendation is presented as directed by the Chief of Police. 3. The commendation is a standardized presentation certificate. B. Unit Citation

1. The Unit Citation is presented to members of a specific unit of the department in recognition of the unit’s performance exhibiting outstanding dedication, initiative, and innovation. The unit’s accomplishments are above and beyond its normal duties and would not have been achieved without the concerted efforts of all members of the unit. The unit can be either an existing unit, or be formed to work together for a specific period of time.

2. This commendation is presented as directed by the Chief of Police.

3. The commendation is a presentation certificate accompanied by a letter of recognition.

C. Bureau and Unit Letters of Commendation

1. Any submitted nomination which does not meet the criteria for Awards and Commendations Committee review will be returned to the appropriate bureau, as outlined in Section IX; D; 9.


2. Nominations returned to the bureau level are eligible to be considered for: a. Bureau Letter of Commendation b. Unit Letter of Commendation 3. The bureau assistant chief is responsible for the criteria and procedure for preparing and presenting bureau and unit letters of commendation. D. Letter of Appreciation

1. A letter is forwarded to any employee who performs an outstanding act of public service or significant work effort. This category includes letters or other forms of communication received by the Chief of Police originating from within the department or from external sources which commend an employee’s conduct or performance in the line of duty. The job performance does not meet the criteria for any other aforementioned awards or commendations.

2. The Chief of Police authorizes the preparation and forwarding of letters of appreciation directly and this level of recognition is not to be submitted to the Awards and Commendations committee for review. E. Certificate of Service

1. The Certificate of Service is presented to a full time employee who, upon separation of employment, has completed 10 or more years of active and honorable service with the police department.

2. This commendation is forwarded or presented as directed by the Chief of Police.

3. The commendation is a presentation certificate. VI. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS FOR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS

A. Police Medal

1. The Police Medal is the highest recognition given by the police department to sworn federal, state or local law enforcement officials from other agencies. It is awarded as acknowledgement of the performance of an extraordinary act of heroism, bravery, or exceptional service in direct support of a department officer while the officer is engaged in the performance of police duties. The actions of the law enforcement official were undertaken willingly, unselfishly, and with full knowledge of the risks involved. The objective of the action was of sufficient importance to justify the risk. The act(s) involved must have been performed under honorable conditions and must adhere to appropriate police procedures.



3. The award is Blackinton medal #A2619 with a “Police Medal” lettered panel (A6823X) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “Hi-Glo.” The star panel is blue. The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon #RC-26 (blue/white/blue) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.

4. The Police Medal will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

B. Meritorious Service Award

1. The Meritorious Service award is presented to sworn federal, state, or local law enforcement officials from other agencies who perform direct, immediate and positive action which resulted in the saving or attempted saving of a human life, directly prevented grievous bodily harm to others or halted a major crime in progress. The action must be of such exceptional character that it was obvious and significant assistance to the police department and/or the community. 2. This award is presented by the Chief of Police. 3. The award is Blackinton medal #A2041 with a “Meritorious Service” lettered panel (#A6823V) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “karatclad.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon #RC-26 (blue/white/blue) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case. 4. The Meritorious Service award will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

C. Distinguished Service Award

1. The Distinguished Service award is presented to sworn federal, state, or local law enforcement officials from other agencies who perform significant and long-term acts directly associated with and in support of police department operations. The actions must be of exceptional and outstanding character and must be of obvious and significant assistance to the police department.

2. The award is presented by the Chief of Police.

3. The award is Blackinton medal #A5499 with a “Distinguished Service” lettered panel (#A6823M) with gold letters on a blue background. The medal finish is “Hi-Glo.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon #RC-26 (blue/white/blue) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.



D. Certificate of Appreciation

1. This certificate is forwarded or presented to sworn federal, state or local law enforcement officials from other agencies that render outstanding assistance to any employee of the police department and/or the community. The valuable service provided does not meet the criteria for any aforementioned citizen award.

2. This commendation is forwarded or presented as directed by the Chief of Police.

3. The commendation is a presentation certificate accompanied by a letter of recognition.

E. Letter of Appreciation

1. A letter is forwarded to sworn federal, state or local law enforcement officials from other agencies that provide assistance or service to the police department which deserves to be recognized. The action does not meet the criteria for any other aforementioned award or commendation. 2. The Chief of Police authorizes the preparation and forwarding of Letters of Appreciation directly and this level of recognition is not to be submitted to the Awards and Commendations Committee for review.

NOTE: The above limitations apply to the awards criteria outlined in VI; A through E. Federal law enforcement officials are defined in KRS 61.365. State and local law enforcement officials are “peace officers” as defined in KRS 446.010 (31). To be eligible for award consideration within V, the law enforcement official must be acting under official authority and have the power of arrest. If the individual is law enforcement official but not acting in that capacity at the time of occurrence due to jurisdictional or official authority constraints, then the nomination shall be reviewed using the awards contained in VI; A through E.

VII. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC A. Chief’s Medal

1. The Chief’s Medal is the highest recognition given by the police department to a member of the public. It is awarded as acknowledgement of the performance of an extraordinary act of heroism, bravery, or exceptional service in direct support of an officer while the officer is engaged in the performance of police duties. The person’s actions were undertaken voluntarily and with potentially great personal risk or sacrifice.


3. The award is Blackinton medal # A2629A with a “Chief’s Medal” lettered panel (# A6823KK) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “karatclad.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The


medal will include “neck” ribbon # RC-3 (blue/white/red) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.

4. The Chief’s Medal will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

B. Public Service Award

1. The Public Service award is presented to any member of the public who performs direct, immediate, and positive action which resulted in the saving or attempted saving of a human life, directly prevented grievous bodily harm to others or halted a major crime in progress. The action must be of such exceptional character that it was of obvious and significant assistance to the department and/or the community.


3. The award is Blackinton medal #A2366 with a “Public Service” lettered panel (#A6823XX) with gold lettering on a blue background. The medal finish is “karatclad.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck” ribbon # RC-3 (blue/white/red) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case. 4. The Public Service award will be accompanied by other forms of recognition deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

C. Distinguished Service Award

1. The Distinguished Service award is presented to any member of the public who performs significant and long-term acts directly associated with and in support of police department operations. The actions must be of exceptional and outstanding character and must be of obvious and significant assistance to the police department.


3. The award is Blackinton medal #A5499 with a “Distinguished Service” lettered panel (#A6823M) with gold letters on a blue background. The medal finish is “Hi-Glo.” The full color seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be affixed to the medal. The medal will include “neck ribbon” #RC-3 (blue/white/red) and will be awarded with a standard presentation case.


D. Certificate of Appreciation

1. This certificate is forwarded or presented to any member of the public who renders outstanding assistance to any employee of the police department and/or the community. The valuable service provided does not meet the criteria for any other aforementioned


award.

2. This commendation is forwarded or presented as directed by the Chief of Police. 3. The commendation is a presentation certificate accompanied by a letter of recognition.

E. Letter of Appreciation

1. A letter is forwarded to any member of the public who provides assistance or service to the police department which deserves to be recognized. The action does not meet the criteria for any other aforementioned award or commendation.

2. The Chief of Police authorizes the preparation and forwarding of letters of appreciation directly and this level of recognition is not to be submitted to the Awards and Commendations Committee for review.

VIII. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS NOMINATION SYSTEM A. Nomination Procedure

1. Any police department employee may initiate a nomination for any other department employee, other law enforcement official or member of the public to be considered for an award or commendation. Nominations for the following awards and commendations are submitted by completing an Awards and Commendations Nomination Form [Form #101].

Department Employees Other Law Enforcement Officials Medal of Valor Police Medal Purple Heart Award Meritorious Service Award Medal of Merit Distinguished Service Award Life Saving Award Certificate of Appreciation Distinguished Service Award Professional Esteem Award Members of the Public Police Officer of the Year Chief’s Medal Supervisor of the Year Public Service Award Civilian Employee of the Year Distinguished Service Award Field Training Officer of the Year Certificate of Appreciation Customer Service of the Year Law Day Law Enforcement Award Professional Service Unit Citation

2. A separate nomination form detailing the specific actions of each nominee shall be completed for each incident and nominee. The only exception to this requirement is the nomination for a Unit Citation.

3. Completed nomination forms shall be forwarded to the nominator’s immediate


supervisor for prompt forwarding, via the chain of command, to the Chief of Police. The documentation will be forwarded to the designated committee chairperson pending the next meeting of the Awards and Commendations Committee.

4. Submitted nomination forms are not to be altered or amended at any level of the chain of command, as the final recommendation to the Chief of Police is the purview of the Awards and Commendations Committee. Supervisors and commanders are encouraged to attach any additional information, comments and opinions for inclusion with the nomination documents. All additional information forwarded will be utilized by the committee to facilitate the review process.

5. The nomination form (Form #101) is available electronically.

IX. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS COMMITTEE A. Committee Purpose

1. The Awards and Commendations Committee’s purpose is to review, to investigate, to recommend approval, to recommend amendment or to recommend rejection of all nominations for awards and commendations submitted on Awards and Commendations Nomination (Form # 101) forms. 2. The committee may also be directed to complete other assignments related to the administration of the awards and commendations program. 3. The committee may request additional information in writing from the nominator, nominee or witness in order to obtain clarification and additional details not included on the original nomination. If the committee still lacks a clear understanding of the incident, it may request the nominator, the nominee and/or witnesses to answer committee questions in person. This process is intended to benefit the nominee and ensure the committee fully understands the dynamics of complex incidents in order to facilitate their recommendation of the highest level of award(s) for which the nominee is eligible. 4. Final authority regarding all awards and commendations is the purview of the Chief of Police.

B. Committee Membership

1. The Chief of Police will designate a chairperson to administer the committee and to complete other awards related assignments. a. The chairperson shall also serve as the committee liaison between the Awards and Commendations Committee and the Chief of Police b. If the chairperson is absent, the member with the most seniority as a committee member will serve as chairperson as needed.


2. The chairperson is responsible to recommend committee members to the Chief of Police. a. Replacing voting members will be coordinated in a timely manner to ensure the continuity of the committee function. 3. The Chief of Police will appoint committee members, who will serve on the committee at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

4. The committee will consist of nine voting members representing various bureaus.

5. The nine committee members are as follows: (1) Chairperson (designated by the Chief) (2) A sworn member of the Command Staff (commander or above)

(3) A sworn member of the Bureau of Administration (4) A sworn member of the Bureau of Investigation (5) A sworn member of the Bureau of Patrol (6) A sworn member of the Bureau of Special Operations (7) A sworn member from the FOP appointed by the FOP president (8) A civilian police department employee (9) A retired formerly sworn member of the police department 6. The committee members will each serve a maximum of two years, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

C. Committee Meetings

1. Committee meetings will be held on a regular basis when a sufficient number of nominations have been received to warrant convening the committee. Special meetings may be convened by the committee chairperson or the Chief of Police as needed to complete committee business in a timely manner. 2. The committee chairperson will: a. Coordinate the time and place of each meeting as directed by the Chief of Police.

b. Be responsible for the administration of each meeting and will ensure the integrity of the review process.


c. Appoint a non-voting civilian employee to assist the committee chair as needed.

D. Review Process 1. A quorum of 5 members is necessary to transact committee business.

2. The chairperson will supervise the review of each nomination submitted to the committee for consideration and conduct the voting on each nomination.

3. The committee, during the review process, will strictly limit discussion to information related to the incident or circumstances under consideration. 4. Any committee member nominated for consideration may not be present during the review and voting process on this nomination.

5. Any committee member who nominates or directly supervises an employee who is nominated for any of the annual awards listed in Section IV, J through N, may not participate in or be present during the review and voting process for that particular award category.

6. Unless circumstances clearly indicate otherwise, the committee will endeavor to recommend one award or commendation per nominated occurrence. The recommendation should reflect the most appropriate award or commendation based on the details of the incident. 7. The committee will determine, by majority vote, whether the nominated act fulfills the requirements of the award or commendation of which it was nominated. If the committee concurs with the recommendation, the nomination form will be marked “approved.” 8. If the committee determines, by majority vote, that the nominated act is deserving of and better meets the criteria of a different award or commendation, the nomination form will be marked “recommend amendment to.” The suggested award or commendation will be indicated.

9. If the committee determines, by majority vote, that the nominated act does not meet the criteria for any award or commendation eligible for consideration by the committee, the chairperson will complete the “recommend amendment to” section on the form and recommend sending the nomination “back to the bureau.” 10. The chairperson may delay the consideration of or voting on any nomination submitted which does not adequately detail the circumstances for the incident. The chairperson will establish the procedure for obtaining sufficient documentation. 11. All committee recommendations will be signed by the chairperson and forwarded to the Chief of Police for final review. Any commendations deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police for issuance at the bureau level will be forwarded to the appropriate


bureau(s) for preparation and distribution. 12. Any nomination returned to the bureau level may be resubmitted to the committee for further review, provided additional or more specific information is included which will facilitate and benefit the committee review process. 13. The review process and voting outcomes of the Awards and Commendations Committee are confidential.

X. AWARDS PRESENTATIONS A. Procedure

1. The procedure for presenting the awards and commendations which are the purview of the Chief’s Office will be determined by the Chief of Police. Notification concerning presentations will be initiated through the Chief’s Office.

2. Other law enforcement agencies, criminal justice representatives, public and government entities, and private sector groups, associations, or entities may request to present an award to department employees and a description or copy of the award will be submitted to the Chief of Police well in advance of the ceremony. The Chief of Police will forward the external award documentation to the Awards and Commendations Committee, who will review the request. The committee will determine, by majority vote, whether the external award rises to the level of achievement and recognition consistent with other awards being presented. The committee’s recommendation will be recorded by the chairperson and forwarded via the committee liaison to the Chief of Police for final consideration. The external awards will either be presented at an awards and commendations ceremony or by other appropriate means as determined by the Chief of Police. If the external award is approved for presentation at an awards and commendations ceremony, the Chief of Police will invite an appropriate agency representative to assist with the award presentation. 3. Commendations which are the responsibility of a bureau will be presented by the bureau assistant chief or designee. These commendations will be presented at an awards and commendations ceremony or by other appropriate means as determined by the bureau assistant chief. Notification concerning presentations will be initiated by the appropriate bureau.

4. Any employee who is nominated or receives an external award, commendation, certificate or letter from a member of the public, group, or organization shall prepare a memorandum documenting such occurrence (including a copy of the award if possible) and forward it to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The supervisor will promptly forward the information, via the chain of command, to the Chief’s Office for information purposes.

B. Personnel Records


1. Copies of all awards, commendations and accompanying letters presented by the Chief of Police will be forwarded by the Chief’s Office to the Personnel Records Unit for inclusion in individual personnel files. Copies will also be forwarded to the recipient’s bureau assistant chief for informational purposes.

2. Copies of all commendations and accompanying letters presented by the bureau assistant chief will be forwarded by the bureau to the Personnel Records Unit for inclusion in individual personnel files.

3. Any employee receiving recognition outlined in Section X A 4 is responsible for forwarding appropriate documentation to the Personnel Records Unit for inclusion in the employee’s personnel file.

XI. WEARING AWARDS RIBBON BARS, ENAMELED BARS and RECOGNITION STARS A. Officers who have received awards ribbon bar(s) may wear up to (3) three ribbon bars with the dress uniform, to be centered on the right shirt pocket flap one-fourth inch below the top edge of the pocket flap. B. Officers who have received the Police Officer of the Year enameled bar have the option to: 1. Wear the enameled bar with the dress uniform. a. The enameled bar, if worn, will be worn on the dress uniform centered on the right shirt pocket flap one-fourth inch below the top edge of the pocket flap. b. Officers have the option to wear an enameled bar on the dress uniform in combination with up to three award ribbon bars. The award ribbon bars(s) will be located on the dress uniform as described in A. above, and the enameled bar should be worn centered and one-fourth inch below the award ribbon bar(s). 2. Wear the enameled bar with the duty uniform at any time and throughout the remainder of their sworn career. a. The enameled bar, if worn, will be worn on the duty uniform centered on the right shirt pocket flap one-fourth inch below the top edge of the pocket flap. C. Recognition stars are presented to an officer who has received the same second or subsequent award that includes an award ribbon bar. Recognition stars are awarded and worn as follows: 1. Second award: Signified by a single bronze star worn on the center of the ribbon bar. 2. Third award: Signified by two bronze stars worn on the ribbon bar. 3. Fourth award: Signified by three bronze stars worn on the ribbon bar. 4. Fifth award: Signified by a single silver star worn on the center of the ribbon bar.


5. Sixth and seventh awards: Signified by silver stars, and using the same sequence outlined in 2-3 above, will be worn on the ribbon bar. 6. Eighth and subsequent awards: Signified by one or more gold stars, as outlined above, worn on the ribbon bar. XII. AWARDS MAINTENANCE A. Award Medals 1. All employee award recipients are expected to make effort to uphold the integrity of the awards they have earned.

2. Any officer or civilian employee who is presented an award medal is solely responsible for the maintenance and security of the award. 3. Under no circumstances are award medals to be loaned to or borrowed by any other department employee or other person. 4. Any officer or civilian employee who loses or damages their award medal is responsible to immediately notify their supervisor in writing. Notification will be forwarded to the Chief’s Office. The Awards and Commendations Committee will review the circumstances and recommend appropriate procedures for replacing the lost or damaged medal to the Chief of Police. Final authority regarding medal replacement procedure is the sole purview of the Chief of Police.

B. Award Ribbon Bars and Enameled Bars

1. Any officer or civilian employee who is presented an award ribbon bar, or any officer who is awarded an enameled bar, is solely responsible for the maintenance and security of the award.

2. Under no circumstances are award ribbon bars or enameled bars to be loaned to or borrowed by any other department employee or other person.

C. Award Replacement

1. Any employee who loses or severely damages their award medal, award ribbon bar, enameled bar or other form of award recognition and requests a replacement shall submit a request, via the chain of command, to the Chief’s Office.

2. Final authority regarding award replacement is the sole purview of the Chief of Police.

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