UCMPD Excellence Awards
General Criteria for Award Categories
Nomination Status: Closed
Nominations will Re-open Winter 2026
Nominees will be rated based on the criteria listed below. We have listed examples that meet the specific criteria.
1. Impact (30%): A clear and meaningful impact on enhancing community safety.
- Implementation of preventative measures such as community policing, community watch programs, and educational initiatives.
- Improvement in public health and safety infrastructure such as street lighting, surveillance systems, and safe public spaces.
- Special projects completed by the individual or any extraordinary accomplishment, including acts of bravery or heroism.
2. Collaboration (20%): Effective collaboration with other organizations or community members.
- Demonstrates outstanding, positive, and supportive relationships with coworkers, campus, groups, and other law enforcement agencies. This individual creates a positive work environment through their actions and attitude.
- Establishes and nurtures strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including community organizations, students, staff, and faculty.
- Actively engages with the community, empowering others to participate in safety initiatives and fostering a culture of collective responsibility.
3. Dedication (20%): Consistent commitment to community safety and service excellence.
- Involved in the public safety department, the campus community and/or the greater Merced community that goes beyond performing only what is needed or asked.
- Provides outstanding service to the community, ensuring that individuals feel safe and valued.
- Maintains a strong work ethic, consistently going beyond service to the community.
4. Innovation (15%): Introduction of innovative ideas, programs, or technologies that enhance community safety.
- Programs that prevent incidents by identifying at-risk individuals and providing early intervention and support.
- Initiatives that address underlying issues that can lead to community safety incidents, providing better support and reducing overall risk.
- Demonstrates a commitment to seek out opportunities and contributes to developing innovative or alternative solutions that enhance the operations of the Public Safety Dispatch center, Department of Public Safety, and/or the community.
5. Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (15%): Contributes toward advancing equity, justice, and inclusive practices.
- Honors efforts to create environments where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals can thrive regardless of their background.
- Demonstrates leadership in promoting inclusivity, implementing policies or initiatives that address systemic inequalities and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all members of a community.
- Collaborates with other organizations to address broader issues of inequality and injustice.
