The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) today announced that 10 agencies have been selected to receive the 2014 IACP and Cisco Systems Community Policing Award. The award, in its 17th year, recognizes outstanding community policing initiatives by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Five agencies were selected as winners, four agencies were selected as finalists, and one agency was given special recognition for efforts involving homeland security.

"Recent events demonstrate that community policing is central to the success of the police mission as we provide quality services to, and build relationships with, our diverse communities," said IACP President Yost Zakhary. "I applaud those recognized with this prestigious award and know that what they have created in their communities will positively impact the law enforcement community worldwide."

Law enforcement agencies were eligible to be nominated in five categories based on population size. This year's recognized agencies are examples of community policing best practices. Their entries demonstrate the meaningful change that can occur when law enforcement officials and their communities are empowered to utilize all available resources for crime prevention and improvement of quality of life.

Winners:

Highland Village (Texas) Police Department (Population fewer than 20,000 residents)

Leesburg (Va.) Police Department (Co-Winner, Population of 20,001 to 50,000 residents)

Madison City (Ala.) Police Department (Co-Winner, Population of 20,001 to 50,000 residents)

Boise (Idaho) Police Department (Population of 100,001 to 250,000 residents)

Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Department (Population of 250,000+ residents)

Finalists:

DeWitt (Iowa) Police Department (Population fewer than 20,000)

Wakefield (Mass.) Police Department (Population of 20,001 to 50,000)

Aurora (Ill.) Police Department (Population of 100,001 to 250,000 residents)

Community Police Department, Ministry of Interior, UAE (Population of 250,000+ residents)

Special Recognition Homeland Security:

Visakhapatnam Rural Police, Andhra Pradesh, India

Director Todd A. Miller, chair of the IACP Community Policing Committee, said, "The philosophy of community policing is more relevant and necessary today than ever before. There are challenges in the world within our communities and our law enforcement agencies that can only be properly addressed through community policing. Citizens need to trust the police and feel that they are partners in addressing community issues. Everyone needs a voice. This happens by implementing the community policing philosophy and working together to make our communities safer, whether it be from crime or from terrorism. The agencies selected this year demonstrate the importance of the community oriented policing philosophy in solving problems and enhancing service."

Cisco is proud to be a part of the IACP Community Policing Awards and all that it represents. "The men and women and public safety organizations honored by this award are the embodiment of best in breed in law enforcement," said Bob Stanberry, former chief of police and current Senior Law Enforcement Advisor for Cisco, for the Community Policing Awards. "I am honored to support these organizations and am in awe of their determination to make our communities and citizens safer."

Award winners will be honored at the IACP's 121st Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida at a special awards reception at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Further information on Community Policing and how to submit for the 2015 award is available online at the IACP Community Policing Committee website at www.iacpcommunitypolicing.org. The site is a community policing resource for law enforcement practitioners.

About the IACP

The International Association of Chiefs of Police is a dynamic organization that serves as the professional voice of law enforcement. Building on our past success, the IACP addresses cutting edge issues confronting law enforcement though advocacy, programs and research, as well as training and other professional services. IACP is a comprehensive professional organization that supports the law enforcement leaders of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow.