PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 6.1 )
Issued Date: 05-08-09 Effective Date: 05-08-09 Updated Date: 06-29-15
SUBJECT: COMMENDATIONS, AWARDS, AND REWARDS
1. POLICY
A. Police Department personnel, sworn and civilian, will be given official recognition for the outstanding performance of their duties. Recommendations submitted for the appropriate type of recognition requested will be made by each respective commander through the appropriate chain of command. All commendation requests, whether approved or disapproved by any superior in the pertinent chain of command, must be submitted on memorandum to the Police Commissioner.
B. Official commendations are awarded to deserving personnel in recognition of and appreciation for outstanding acts of public service and performance.
C. These awards are not to be construed as automatic citations, but shall be awarded after a thorough evaluation of each request. Only one form of recognition shall be granted for each individual act.
*4 D. Medals for The Sergeant Robert Wilson III Valor, Bravery, Heroism, Excellence, Tactical De-escalation and Life Saving will be presented once. Thereafter, awards presented to sworn personnel of the same grade will be recognized by a certificate, and a star. Past recipients will have an opportunity to purchase these medals should they choose to do so.
*4 E. All Commendations may be awarded posthumously. The Commendations for The Sergeant Robert Wilson III Valor, Bravery, and Heroism will be presented by the Police Commissioner to the employee’s next of kin. ______
2. OFFICIAL COMMENDATIONS
A. Medal Of Honor
1. The Medal of Honor may be awarded to the family of a fallen officer whose death results from actions judged by the Police Commissioner to be of such commendatory and exemplary nature epitomizing the honorable history of Philadelphia law enforcement. An Honor Board consisting of the Deputy Commissioner, Field Operations, Deputy Commissioner, Patrol Operations, and the Deputy Commissioner, Organizational Services, Strategy and Innovations will assist the Police Commissioner in the review process. The Police Commissioner will make the final decision. DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 1
*4 B. The Sergeant Robert Wilson III Medal of Valor
1. For an extraordinary act of courage, without regard to personal safety while engaged in actual combat with an armed and dangerous adversary.
*4 NOTE: Sergeant Robert Wilson III, on March 5, 2015 while conducting a security check of the GameStop store located at 2101 West Lehigh Avenue, when inside, two armed assailants surrounded him and opened fired at point blank range. Sergeant Wilson, fearing for the safety of the store patrons and despite being shot several times, returned fire and engaged in a fierce gun battle with the suspects. Sergeant Wilson was severely wounded and transported to Temple Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
2. This commendation is presented by the Police Commissioner in the form of a purple ribbon bar, corresponding medal and a certificate.
C. Medal of Bravery
1. For the performance of an outstanding arrest where the officer’s effort is met by an armed and dangerous adversary.
2. This commendation is presented by the Police Commissioner in the form of a red ribbon bar, corresponding medal and a certificate.
D. Medal of Heroism
1. For an act of courage without regard to personal safety, which places the officer in imminent physical danger in his efforts to affect a rescue or save a life.
2. The Commendation for Heroism is represented in the form of a green ribbon bar, corresponding medal and a certificate.
E. Medal of Excellence
*3 1. Awarded to sworn or civilian personnel who have made significant, outstanding and sustained achievements contributing to the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the department by performing their duties with outstanding skill, enhancing community partnerships, and having exhibited diligence, productivity, judgment and responsibility. The act or acts must be representative of performance beyond the requirements of the normal work assignment.
2. Awarded to sworn and civilian personnel.
3. Medal of Excellence for sworn and civilian personnel is presented in the form of a blue and red ribbon bar, corresponding medal and certificate.
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 2
*4 F. Medal of Tactical De-escalation
1. Sworn Personnel
a. Who utilized exceptional tactical skills or verbal approaches and techniques to de-escalate any deadly force situation resulting in the saving or sustaining of a human life.
2. Presentation
a. Sworn personnel Tactical De-escalation award is presented in the form of a silver and blue ribbon bar, corresponding medal, and certificate.
*3/ G. Medal of Life Saving
1. Awarded to sworn and civilian personnel who perform acts or apply techniques that result in the saving or sustaining of a human life.
2. Life Saving is presented in the form of a red, white, and blue ribbon bar, corresponding medal and certificate.
H. Commendation for Merit
1. Sworn Personnel
a. For highly intelligent and valuable act of police service which demonstrates special initiative and perseverance in the performance of police duties.
b. The Commendation of Merit is represented in the form of a blue ribbon bar and a certificate.
2. Civilian Personnel
a. Civilian employees of the Department are eligible for commendations when in the performance of their duty, they demonstrate outstanding professionalism and special initiative in their assignment, excellence in service to the citizens of Philadelphia, or in their performance of fosters a positive police/community relation.
b. Civilian Employee Commendations are prepared by the Research and Planning Unit and presented by the Police Commissioner.
c. The Civilian Employee Commendation of Merit is presented in the form of a certificate and lapel pin.
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 3
*3 I. Problem Solving Award
1. Awarded to sworn or civilian personnel for performing an outstanding achievement that results in improved administration or operation by applying problem solving skills that result in substantial savings in labor or operational costs, greatly enhances the mission of the Philadelphia Police Department, furthers the goals of problem solving and community policing, and enhances the lifestyle of community stakeholders, and brings great credit to the department. The act or acts must be representative of performance beyond the requirements of the normal work assignment.
a. The Problem Solving award is presented in the form of a light blue, white and Light blue ribbon bar and certificate.
J. Commendatory Citation
1. Sworn Personnel
a. For an arrest or any police service showing exceptional courage, intelligence, or integrity in the performance of routine duty.
b. The Commendatory Citation is represented in the form of a blue and gold ribbon bar for the initial award only as well as a letter-style certificate.
2. Civilian Personnel
a. For any service showing exceptional diligence, intelligence or integrity in the performance of their routine duties.
b. The Commendatory Citation is represented in the form of a blue/gold lapel pin for the award as well as a letter-style certificate.
*4 K. Community Service Award
1. Awarded to sworn or civilian personnel for their valuable and outstanding service while on or off duty, through an act or series of acts that provided great service to families and/or communities that was beyond the normal call of duty. These acts may range from exceptional job related community interaction to volunteer or community service that brings public acclaim to the employee, the Philadelphia Police Department and the entire police profession.
a. The Community Service Award is presented in the form of a dark navy blue and white ribbon bar and certificate.
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 4
L. Designation of multiple Commendations
1. Sworn Personnel
*1 a. Subsequent commendations, including Commendatory Citations, for the same category will be designated by stars and oak leaf clusters:
1) 3/16” star =1 additional commendation 2) 5/16” star =5 additional commendations 3) oak leaf cluster =20 additional commendations
M. Distinguished Unit Citation
1. For an outstanding accomplishment which is the result of team work rather than that of an individual(s). This presentation will be awarded to the Commanding Officer of the district or unit.
2. The Unit Citation is represented in the form of a certificate to be displayed at the district/unit. Separate awards will not be issued to individual officers or civilians for this type of recognition, though a copy of the award will be placed in the personnel folder of each involved officer and/or civilian employee.
*4 N. Special Events
1. The Special Events Ribbon is authorized for any member of the department, sworn or civilian, who participated in an event that the Police Commissioner determines to be a significant or historical event.
2. The Special Events Ribbon is presented in the form of a light blue, white, and red ribbon bar. For each additional Special Event that an officer works, one (1) Silver Star will be awarded.
3. Special Events previously recognized as significant:
a. 2000 Republican National Convention (red, white and blue with gold Liberty bell) ribbon bar.
b. 2013 International Association Chief of Police (IACP) Philadelphia, PA. (Black/Gold ribbon).
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 5
*3 O. George Fencl Award
1. Awarded annually to one sworn member of the Philadelphia Police Department who exemplifies the characteristics of George Fencl to include civil commitment, compassion to their fellow man, fairness in treatment of all people regardless of race, creed or cause and does so with the highest level of moral integrity and professional excellence.
a. The George Fencl Award is presented in the form of a plaque and pin.
P. Service Certificates
1. For recognition of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service in the Philadelphia Police Department by any Department employee.
2. This award is represented in the form of a certificate and will be presented to the employee by their Commanding Officer. A pin will be provided by the Community Relations Unit for 25 years of service.
3. The creation and distribution of the service certificates and pins are the responsibility of the Graphic Arts and Community Relations Units respectively.
*3 Q. Police Service Award
1. Awarded to sworn and civilian personnel that have served the Police Department for 30 years or more.
2. A pin designating the years of service will be provided by the Research and Planning Unit.
R. Recognition
1. For any law enforcement service rendered to the Philadelphia Police Department by outside law enforcement agencies and professionals.
2. This award is presented to the recipient or recipient agency in the name of the Police Commissioner. The Recognition Award is represented in the form of a certificate. ______
3. REQUESTS FOR COMMENDATION
A. Preparation
1. Commanding Officers will submit to the Police Commissioner, through the appropriate chain of command, separate memoranda for each case where a commendation is requested. (See Example Format) DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 6
a. A copy of the request will be filed and maintained in the district/unit.
2. Requests will be made as soon as possible after the incident occurs. Submission of a request will not exceed 30 days after the commendatory action has taken place. It is not necessary to await court adjudication in those cases where an outstanding arrest has resulted.
*4 NOTE: When the commendatory action involves a use of force case, the submitting Commanding Officer will contact the Commanding Officer, Internal Affairs to ascertain the status of the investigation and the accuracy of the known information. Commendation requests involving use of force incidents presented to the Use of Force Review Board will not be reviewed or considered until the incident has been cleared of any administrative violations by the Use of Force Review Board via memorandum to the submitting Commanding Officer.
3. Ensure a copy of the Investigation Report (75-49) is attached to each request.
4. When a 75-49 is not readily available, (i.e. homicide cases), only the request will be forwarded with the appropriate investigation control number.
5. Commendation requests for Medal of Excellence will be tracked by the employee’s payroll number.
6. Commanding Officers will ensure that commendation requests are complete and accurate, with special attention being given to correct and full spelling of names, badge numbers, payroll numbers, the date of incident and locations.
7. All requests for commendation will include recommendations by all reviewing commanders in the chain of command regarding approval or disapproval and the level of commendation recommended (i.e., Merit, Medal of Bravery)
NOTE: Even if a commendation is disapproved, it must be forwarded to the highest level of review. A commendation which has been approved or disapproved may be overturned through the chain of command.
8. The Commanding Officer initiating the request will forward a copy of the original request accompanied by the Investigation Report (75-49) to the Commanding Officer of all instrumental participating officers from other districts/units for their review.
NOTE: Participating officers will only be submitted for commendation by their Commanding Officer, and such request must be submitted through the officer’s pertinent chain of command.
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 7
9. Upon receipt of a commendation request from another district/unit commander, the receiving Commanding Officer will evaluate the individual efforts of the personnel under their command and, if deemed worthy and in conformity with this directive, may submit those personnel for commendation.
10. Civilian heads of departments may submit commendation requests for personnel under their direct supervision through the Commanding Officer of the district, unit, division, etc., if the service rendered falls under the guidelines prescribed in this directive.
B. Distribution for Review and Evaluation
*4 1. Requests for the Commendations of The Sergeant Robert Wilson III Valor, Bravery, Heroism, Excellence, Tactical De-escalation or Life Saving will be received, evaluated, and endorsed by the pertinent Deputy Commissioners and then forwarded to the Chairperson of the Awards Board Committee (Deputy Commissioner, Field Operations). Requests for the Commendation of Merit, Commendatory Citation, Unit Citation, or Problem Solving will be received, evaluated, and need only be endorsed by the pertinent Deputy Commissioner or Chief Inspector.
a. The Awards Board Committee will review requests for The Sergeant Robert *4 Wilson III Valor, Bravery, Heroism, Excellence, Tactical De-escalation and Life Saving on a monthly basis. They will have access to complete files on all cases under review, and they will determine the level of commendation to be granted.
2. After review and evaluation by the pertinent Deputy Commissioner, Chief Inspector or Awards Board Committee, all requests (approved or disapproved) will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Awards Board Committee, Research and Planning Unit, for the appropriate action.
C. Distribution to Personnel and Filing
1. Commanding Officers who receive Commendatory Citations or Unit Citations will distribute them in a prompt and timely manner in a formal setting, e.g., Roll Call.
2. The Secretary of the Awards Board is responsible for forwarding a copy of the approved commendation to Police Personnel for placement in the employee’s personnel folder when the original is completed and distributed for presentation. ______
4. AWARDS BOARD COMMITTEE
*2 A. The Awards Board Committee will be comprised of:
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 8
1. Deputy Commissioner, Field Operations who shall serve as Chairperson of the Board
2. Deputy Commissioner, Organizational Services, Strategy, and Innovations
3. The appropriate Deputy Commissioner
a. A member of the Research and Planning Unit has been designated as the Secretary of the Awards Board. ______
5. CITIZEN’S COMPLIMENTARY LETTERS
A. All letters received by the Police Commissioner, as well as those received by district/unit Commanding Officers originating from outside sources commending an employee’s conduct and performance of duty, will be forwarded to Research and Planning for the Police Commissioner’s acknowledgment.
B. The Police Commissioner’s acknowledgment will be distributed as follows:
1. Original to complimenting citizen
2. First copy to employee via Police Mail
3. Second copy with citizen’s letter to be filed in the employee’s personnel folder. ______
6. AWARDS AND REWARDS
A. No reward or award will be solicited or accepted for any Department-related activity by any member of the Department without the written approval of the Police Commissioner.
B. The Awards Board Committee will review all prospective awards/rewards that may be considered acceptable by the Police Commissioner, and they will:
1. Upon receipt of the written memorandum, examine the worthiness of the performance.
2. Examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
3. Recommend to the Police Commissioner a fair and equitable distribution of any and all awards and rewards.
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 9
______
7. CITIZEN COMMENDATIONS
A. When a civilian renders valuable or courageous assistance to any member of the Philadelphia Police Department, particularly in cases in where a criminal is seized and detained until the arrival of police, the Commanding Officer of the district in which such assistance was rendered will submit a detailed report of such facts to the Commanding Officer, Community Relations Unit. This report must include the civilian’s name, address and date of birth. When applicable, an Investigation Report (75-49) will accompany the report.
B. A criminal records check will be completed on each civilian being considered for award. The results of the check are to be taken into consideration by the Commanding Officer initiating the report, and are to be incorporated into the report.
C. These cases will be reviewed, and if deemed worthy of commendation, an appropriate award will be granted. The Community Relations Unit will prepare all citizen commendations. Citizen commendations are presented by the Police Commissioner. ______
8. COMMENDATION AWARDS CEREMONIES
A. Awards ceremonies will be held at the discretion of the Police Commissioner, but typically in May and December of each year. These ceremonies will be held to honor Police Department sworn and civilian personnel who are scheduled to receive The Sergeant Robert Wilson III Valor, Bravery, Heroism, Excellence, Tactical *4 De-escalation and/or the Life Saving award.
B. Award ceremonies to honor Police Department sworn and civilian personnel who are scheduled to receive a Merit and/or Problem Solving Commendation will be held at the discretion of the Police Commissioner, but typically on a monthly basis, excluding the months of May and December.
*4 C. Commendatory Citations and Special Event certificates will be announced by police general message for all recipients who receive the awards. All districts/units will be instructed on the police general message when to pick up the awards at the Research and Planning Unit.
D. When an awards ceremony is held, those present may include:
1. Department personnel
2. Families and friends of personnel to be honored.
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 10
3. Citizens and representatives of business concerns and government institutions who are directly connected either as a victim or those who rendered assistance to the officer or officers in the act that merited commendation.
E. Ceremony protocol
1. Notification of the departmental photographer and the Public Affairs Office of the date, time, and location of the ceremony will be the responsibility of the Commanding Officer, Community Relations Unit.
2. Notification of the news media will be the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office.
3. Personnel receiving commendations will report no later than 30 minutes prior to the time set for the ceremony at the designated location. Dress code will be uniform of the day for uniformed personnel or business attire for plainclothes and civilian personnel.
4. A computer teletype message announcing the ceremony date, time, location and names of personnel scheduled to receive awards will be sent no later then ten (10) days prior to the ceremony. The teletype message will be sent by the Secretary of the Awards Board.
______RELATED PROCEDURES: Directive 6.8, Uniforms and Equipment Directive 12.4, Personnel Transfer Process ______
BY COMMAND OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER
*FOOTNOTE# GENERAL# DATE SENT REVISION
*1 4588 8-25-09 Addition *2 2082 9-29-09 Change *3 9317 8-12-13 Additions *4 0602 06-29-15 Changes/Additions
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 11
(Example Format) P O L I C E MEMORANDUM CITY OF PHILADELPHIA Date:
TO : Police Commissioner
FROM : Commanding Officer, 39th District
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR COMMENDATION – DC# 39-123456 / UNIT CONTROL #0000
1. Request is hereby made that the appropriate form of recognition be granted to the following officer for their actions taken on the following date: 1-1-87.
P/O John Smith 0000 123456 39th 1-A ______Rank Name Badge# Payroll Dist/Unit Platoon
2. No other award has been requested and/or received as a result of this Police Action.
3. Participating Officers from other Districts/Units:
P/O Joseph Jones 0001 234567 H.P. 1-A ______Rank Name Badge# Payroll Dist/Unit Platoon
4. A copy of the 75-49 is attached.
5. The facts of this case that make it a commendable action are:
On Sunday 1-17-87 at 2:15 P.M., P/O Smith #0000 while assigned to RPC 3917 observed four (4) black males burglarizing the property located at 1917 West Hunting Park Avenue. After informing Police Radio of the incident, the officer was able to apprehend three (3) of the males himself, while providing Police Radio with the route of the fourth male, who in turn was apprehended by other officers responding to the assignment.
6. The defendants: Benjamin Spady 18 B/M, 3940 Pulaski Avenue, Antonie Patterson 18 B/M, 1602 A South 30th Street, John Bennett 18 B/M, 2148 Van Pelt Street, and Bernard Bennett, 19 B/M, 2248 Van Pelt Street were all arrested and charged with Attempt Burglary, and Criminal Conspiracy.
______Captain Name # Commanding Officer 39th District
DIRECTIVE 6.1 - 10