Atlantic City Police Department
TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin last week announced the winners of the 2023 Excellence in Policing Awards, highlighting the outstanding service displayed by law enforcement agencies, officers, and professionals across the state. Among the recipients was Sgt. Brian Shapiro and the Atlantic City Police Department who received the Outstanding Community Partnership Award.
Created in 2019, the Excellence in Policing Awards were designed to encourage and reinforce New Jersey’s commitment to strengthening the relationships between law enforcement agencies and their communities. This year for the first time, the Excellence in Policing Awards are being held during National Police Week, a week designated by President John F. Kennedy as a time for a grateful nation to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of, and in the service to, strangers.
“Today, I am honored to present awards for Excellence in Policing to the dedicated public servants and agencies who work tirelessly to strengthen our communities by implementing innovative, creative and unique programs or by demonstrating particularly heroic actions,” Platkin said. “These recipients represent the very, very best of New Jersey law enforcement. Thanks to their efforts, we can better serve our fellow residents and, in turn, not only making New Jersey safer, but truly stronger.”
The Outstanding Community Partnership Award honors a county prosecutor’s office or police department that has implemented or strengthened a community partnership or collaboration with community stakeholders to advance public safety.
In a statement Platkin said Shapiro recognized there were vulnerable populations in Atlantic City who needed various health services, and he saw there was a lack of coordination between different organizations that were trying to help.
Shapiro took the lead in creating a weekly meeting where representatives from the Police Department, casinos, businesses, courts and other law enforcement agencies could come together and share information about the various services that were available to at-risk populations.
The coordinated effort ensured that individuals who need help are able to connect with the appropriate resources more quickly and efficiently, Platkin said. Additionally, businesses and other organizations in the area were able to see the benefits of the coordinated approach.
View the livestream of the ceremony here.
