Lakewood Police Department Policy and Procedure		Effective Date: 11/15/2023
	Policy Number: PP-3400 - Awards

A. Policy

Definitions:

1. Saving of Life - an action that, if not performed, would beyond a reasonable doubt (legal definitions of term applies) have resulted in the death of a person(s).

2. Extreme Risk - a condition that is highly likely to produce imminent death.

3. Significant Risk - a condition that may produce death or involves a high degree of danger to an employee.

4. Highly Professional Conduct or Performance - an act or series of acts that is indicative of a high standard of expertise, technical competence, or sustained performance of an outstanding quality.

1. Medal for Valor – Blue ribbon/medal with blue uniform bar

Presented to any employee of the Department for a conspicuous act of heroism, which may involve extreme risk of life and a very high degree of courage.  The employee must exhibit bravery, valor and/or self-sacrifice for the welfare of others while acting under the color of authority.

2. Medal of Distinguished Service - Red ribbon/medal with red uniform bar

Presented to any employee of the Department while acting under the color of authority, who demonstrates bravery, courage and or self-sacrifice for others, which may involve significant risk to the employee.

3. Police Cross – Blue/White ribbon/medal

Presented to any employee’s family in honor of an employee who dies in the line of duty and/or while acting under color of authority.

4. Purple Heart Award – Purple ribbon medal with uniform bar (purple heart)

May be awarded when an employee is wounded or seriously injured by a deadly weapon, as the result of an assault, while the employee is performing his official duties and responsibilities.  The serious bodily injury must not have been caused through the member’s own negligence or unreasonable disregard for common safety practices, rules, regulations, or policies of the department.

5. Lifesaving Award - White ribbon/medal with uniform bar (white w/red cross)

May be awarded for a notable effort, which results in the saving of a life in which no personal risk is involved.

6. Police Service Award – Blue/Yellow ribbon medal with blue/yellow uniform bar.  May be given to sworn active-duty personnel, non-sworn personnel or any employee(s) of the City of Lakewood.

May be awarded for an act evidencing highly professional conduct, performance, or significant achievement.  Examples may include:

a. Exemplary conduct in the face of adversity, or ongoing exemplary performance over the course of a career with the police department.

b. Through personal initiative, tenacity, and great effort, acts to solve a major crime or series of crimes.

c. Through personal initiative and ingenuity, develops, initiates, engages in, or completes an assignment of an extraordinary nature, or develops a program or plan which contributes significantly to the Department’s objectives and goals.

7. Chief's Commendation

  May be awarded under any of the following criteria:

a. To an employee who maintains composure when confronted with a highly volatile situation and continues to perform well in accordance with acceptable standards of conduct.

b. For an act giving evidence of selfless conduct by an employee during a time of crisis or emergency.

c. For a notable performance during an event or situation in which the employee demonstrates commitment and professionalism.

d. Chief’s Commendation may be awarded at the discretion of the Chief of Police based upon a recommendation from any source.  Chief’s Commendations are not required to go through the same formal review process as for medals, although the Chief of Police may, at his discretion, submit them to the Awards Review Board for review.

8. Chief's Special Recognition Award – Letter and light blue ribbon/medal, mounted on a plaque.

May be awarded to a person or entity from within or without the City organization in recognition of special support to the police department or its personnel.  Individuals and very small groups receiving this award will each receive a plaque with the mounted medal.  For larger entities receiving the award, a single plaque with the mounted medal will be presented to the entire group.

9. Chief's Award for Excellence in Community Policing - Letter of recognition accompanied by a perpetual plaque with the recipient's name and year of award.

May be awarded to any police employee or any employee of the City of Lakewood who has distinguished themselves in the area of community service and problem-oriented policing.  Through their own initiative, eligible employees should demonstrate innovation, creativity or participation in a program that significantly impacts the quality of life in our community.  The program may involve efforts in problem-solving, work with a citizen's group or creation of a program/process that promotes partnerships with the community.