DHS Police Named Finalists In Community Policing Award

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department was a finalist for a statewide community policing award, a sergeant said today.

The department was named as a finalist for the James Q. Wilson Award for Excellence in Community Policing during a ceremony held Tuesday, but the top honor when to a sheriff’s station in Los Angeles County.

The award honors California police departments that have successfully adopted a community policing philosophy, Desert Hot Springs police Sgt. Ken Peary said.

“I want to thank our community members and our police staff for their hard work and commitment to the principles of community policing and the willingness to work together for the betterment of all,” said Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Patrick Williams, who accepted the award.

The award is named after Wilson, an expert on community policing. The philosophy incorporates preventive policing and public cooperation, Peary said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Century Station won the top award, and the El Cajon Police Department was honored as a finalist, as well. Nine departments from around the state were considered for the award, which was presented at the Disneyland Resort Hotel during the California Police Chiefs Association Training Symposium.