Countywide : Crime-Fighting Efforts to Be Honored by OCT

Efforts to improve cooperation between police departments and the community in fighting crime will be recognized at an inaugural awards program presented by Orange County Together (OCT), a nonprofit group formed in 1992 by the United Way and the county Human Relations Commission.

“Neighborhood businesses and residents working with police is the way to address crime at its roots,” OCT Executive Director Pat Callahan said. “We want to reward the community/police partnerships that are in existence, and we want to see them expanded.”

Award nominees from 20 Orange County cities were selected on the basis of feedback from neighborhood associations, police departments, city councils, school districts, chambers of commerce and other local organizations.

The 20 cities are Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, La Habra, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Tustin, Westminster and Yorba Linda.

“We’re just thrilled that there’s that much good work being done out there,” Callahan said. “Next year we hope to have 31 cities represented.”

Awards will be presented in the categories of community partnership, community policing, problem solving, distinguished community policing officer or team, community outreach, education and leadership. Winners will receive an original illustration representing the spirit of community policing, along with a financial stipend.

The public awards ceremony will be at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Serving as emcee will be Ron Dominguez, retired executive vice president of Walt Disney Attractions.

Admission is $25, which includes breakfast. Tickets can be purchased by calling OCT at (714) 252-1242.