The Charleston Police Department Officer of the Year award is presented to an officer for outstanding service and deeds to the department, community, and profession.
The Charleston Police Department Probationary Officer is an officer with under two years of service. This award is presented to a probationary police officer for outstanding service and deeds to the department, community, and profession.
Any Sergeant, recognized by their peers, who display exceptional leadership, compassion, and vision. Sergeant of the Year can be nominated by anyone with direct knowledge and observation of the Sergeant’s exceptional service.
Any Detective or Investigator who uses their experience and training to resolve an investigation that improves community trust and builds transparency. Detective of the Year can be nominated by anyone with direct knowledge and observation of the detective or investigator’s sense of urgency and thoroughness.
Any Command Staff Member, at the rank of Lieutenant or higher, whose responsibilities exceed those of their assigned position to include volunteering, mentoring, or special projects. Commander of the Year can be nominated by anyone with direct knowledge of the Commander’s responsibilities.
The Team of the Year is awarded to any group of three or more persons assigned to the Police Department whose combined effort toward a project, program, or extended work assignment significantly forwards the mission and goals of the Charleston Police Department.
This award recognizes professional staff employees and their contributions to support our law enforcement efforts. This can come from any division in the police department where the civilian does not fall into any other established category. The recipient’s contributions in their primary work assignment must show a significant impact in support of the police department’s mission.
This award recognizes civilian employees assigned to the Fleet Services Division. The recipient’s contributions to the Fleet Services Division must show a significant impact in supporting the police department’s mission.
This award recognizes civilian or sworn employees assigned to the Forensic Services Division. The recipient’s contributions in their primary work assignment must show significant impact in support of the Forensic Services Division, the police department’s mission, or crime laboratory accreditation.
Recognition of Assistance to the Charleston Police Department Awarded to a citizen who has shown themself to be an asset to the Charleston Police Department. Their integrity, professionalism, and dedication to the community are outstanding.
The Guardian Award may be awarded in recognition of any sworn officer who utilized exceptional tactical skills or verbal approaches and techniques to deescalate any deadly force situation resulting in the saving or sustaining of human life.
Awarded for an act that prevents the loss of life of another person(s) during an extreme circumstance or event, and the circumstance or event presents no danger to the officer at the time of the occurrence.
Awarded for an act of valor, most commonly found associated with a deadly encounter situation, which involves extreme risk of life to an officer, officers, or another person or persons, and the act is selfless and noble in the endless pursuit of service and protection of the public to which they serve. There can be
multiple recipients. The Chief’s Award of Valor may be awarded to any sworn or non-sworn member of the police department in recognition of an outstanding act of bravery with no regard to personal safety, with great individual courage, and with dedicated devotion to duty.
The Crimson Heart Award is awarded to an individual for injuries received while on or off duty, provided the nominee was actively engaged in the proper performance of police duties. The injury must require immediate medical attention and be severe, more than normal injuries sustained in difficult arrest situations.
The Chief’s Award of Merit may be awarded to any sworn or non-sworn members of the Department in recognition of outstanding performance and service in their current assignment or community service, implementation of a program significantly impacting and advancing the police mission, or contribution above and beyond the normal course of duty which has brought distinction and credit to the Department through conscientious public service.
This award recognizes the Charleston Police Officer or Professional Staff member who has gone above and beyond to support the mission of The LENS Foundation.