Cape Coral Police Chief Jay Murphy has been named Officer of the Year by the Lee County chapter of the NAACP.
Murphy was presented with the award at a banquet on Saturday night.
He was praised by the NAACP for his openness and willingness to be inclusive with all members of the community, as well as the agency’s transparency, according to a Cape police news release.
The award comes after the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation in November over a complaint filed by James Muwakkil, president of the county’s NAACP chapter, in 2009.
The complaint alleged minority residents were being discouraged from filing complaints against the department.
“This award is an affirmation of the hard work of the dedicated staff of the Cape Coral Police Department, both sworn officers and civilian staff, who work tirelessly to keep the city safe in partnership with the members of our community,” Murphy said in the release.
“It is they who have earned the distinction and I am fortunate to accept this award on their behalf with a great sense of humility and pride.”
Original post by news-press.com October 20, 2011.