Commissioner Patrick V. Murphy (ret.) served as the top police executive in multiple jurisdictions, including New York City, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Washington, DC; and Syracuse, New York, and served within the US Department of Justice. He subsequently led the Police Foundation (predecessor of the National Policing Institute) as its second president from 1973-1985.

Commissioner Murphy addressed systemic corruption and led major reforms that foreshadowed an era of community and neighborhood policing. Based on these actions, he earned a reputation as a bold reformer who encouraged and used research to challenge the status quo from within the profession. He has been described as “perhaps the most influential police leader over the past half-century” and remembered for controversial but significant changes that proved to be ahead of their time. Examples of advancements included ordering officers not to shoot at looters during the civil unrest of the late 1960s in Washington, DC, AND effectively challenging permissive use of force policies decades before Tennessee v. Garner (1985). He also used his national prominence to push for greater education and training of police officers.

In praise of Commissioner Murphy, former NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton was quoted in the New York Times as saying: “In a profession that has very few giants, it is safe to say [Murphy] was a giant in policing.” In his book Commissioner and elsewhere, Commissioner Murphy reflected on leading change and the resentment often faced as a result by noting that reformers do not seek these changes because they dislike policing or police officers but rather because of their love for the profession.

The nomination period for 2024 is now open and will close on June 1, 2024.

The following items are required in the nomination form:

• Nominator contact information (self-nominations will be accepted; anonymous nominations will not be considered)
• Nominee contact information
• Narrative of why the nominee should be considered for the award. What bold steps has the nominee taken to improve, reform, or advance policing from within the profession? (max 500 words) Examples might include:
  • Initiates innovative change using evidence-based solutions to improve an agency or community.
  • Dedication to improving quality of life regardless of barriers, oftentimes challenging the status quo.
  • Has at least three examples of prior or current bold steps to improve, reform, or advance policing while working at or alongside a police agency.
  • Efforts and initiatives which have impacted an agency or community. Outcomes were all neutral or positive, and none were negative.

Additional items are optional and may be included in the nomination form:

• Agency executive letter of acknowledgment and support for the nomination
• Links to supporting document(s), such as article(s), publication(s), or report(s)

NPI may share submission materials and related information publicly (we will not share any private information).

Nominations will be reviewed by an awards committee comprised of both NPI board members and select staff. Once selected, the honoree will be contacted and invited to attend and be recognized during NPI’s Annual Awards Reception in the fall.

The selection of an honoree does not necessarily indicate that their actions or positions are consistent with the official position or views of the National Policing Institute. Instead, it is the willingness and courage to lead change from within the profession that is recognized by this award. Any nominees not awarded may be resubmitted for consideration in the following year.

The honoree will be recognized at an award reception held in the fall. A physical award will be presented, plus:

1. Travel support to the event
2. $5,000 cash award or designation to a charity of the honoree's choice