NEWPORT NEWS — Local law enforcement was recognized for its efforts in helping disadvantaged children succeed in education.
The city police department, the Newport Newport News Sheriff’s Office and Achievable Dream Inc. won the 2017 L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award, which was presented to the Newport News Police Department by The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) on June 6, according to a news release.
“Collaborations such as this one between An Achievable Dream, the Newport News Police Department and the Newport News Sheriff’s Office are proof that strong relationships between law enforcement and community institutions are so valuable to our future generations,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith, in the news release. “Students at An Achievable Dream benefit not only from learning and mastering their rigorous coursework, but also from being able to establish positive relationships with law enforcement. An Achievable Dream serves as an excellent model for communities nationwide seeking to bridge the gap between law enforcement and youth.”
An Achievable Dream, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides summer tutoring classes and works with the local law enforcement to improve academic proficiency.
The L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award is named in memory of Tony Sutin, who served as the founder of the COPS Office from its creation in 1994 to 1996.
The annual award is given to a team of law enforcement and community members whose community partnerships have transformed public safety in their community, according to the news release.
For information about the COPS Office, visit here.
