DEARBORN, Michigan – The Dearborn Police Department was honored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for its ability to work with other agencies to address civil rights crimes and issues within the community.
At its annual conference, held Oct. 25-28 in Orlando, Florida, IACP named the Police Department as the recipient of its Civil Rights Award in the Multi-Agency Team category.
The Department was also acknowledged as a finalist for the IACP/ Motorola Webber Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement.
“These two awards from the IACP reflect the commitment of our Police Department to serve our residents according to the highest standards of professionalism and through effective initiatives that increase safety for everyone,” said Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr.
Police Chief Ronald Haddad accepted the awards.
“I’m proud of the men and women of the department who make our community successes possible,” said Haddad. “Receiving recognition from the IACP is an endorsement of the department’s community outreach, as well as our effectiveness with fostering partnerships across organizations and agencies to strengthen our overall law enforcement.”
In receiving the Multi Agency Team Award, Dearborn’s Police Department was recognized for its relationship with Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT), a Southeastern Michigan volunteer group of law enforcement, community, advocacy, and civil rights leaders and representatives dedicated to enhancing trust between police and community members.
Working with ALPACT, the Police Department has been able to navigate potential civil rights issues stemming from profiling and backlash against Arab Americans following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, protests and demonstrations aimed at Dearborn’s Arabic community, and civilian mistrust following controversial police tactics and actions at other agencies throughout the region.
The Department has increased its focus on building community relations and working with area leaders to improve transparency during times of potential unrest. It also has implemented procedural changes as recommended by ALPACT initiatives.
The Department was also one of seven law enforcement agencies from around the globe to be named a finalist for the IACP/Motorola Webber Seavey Award.
This award is presented to agencies that promote a standard of excellence that exemplifies law enforcement’s contribution and dedication to the quality of life in local communities.
Recognized for its faith-based organization outreach program, the Dearborn Police Department was commended for its efforts to establish positive relationships with local religious groups to ensure public safety and help its officers to better understand the Muslim religion and Arab American culture.
A project team met with community religious leaders as well as local, state and federal partners to develop a Faith-Based Organizations Tabletop Exercise that has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally as a best practice adaptable to other agencies and organizations.
IACP is a professional law enforcement organization that uses advocacy, research, training, and other professional services to address issues facing the profession. IACP has more than 20,000 members from 100 countries around the world.