Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently recognized several Middle District of Florida law enforcement personnel with the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, a commendation aimed at highlighting officers who dedicate themselves to bettering public safety and community relations. Among the honored were Detective Matthew Newbold from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and members of the Largo Police Department: Officer Stephen Malandro, Officer Trevor Stamper, and Specialist Todd Nutbrown.

"Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety," Attorney General Garland said in a statement publicly released by the Department of Justice. These officers have proved to considerably foster partnerships with the communities they serve, embodying inspiration through their actions. The Department of Justice applauds their service and positive influence on society at large.

Detective Matthew Newbold, who has dedicated over two decades to law enforcement, was recognized for his unwavering commitment to justice. According to the Department of Justice's press release, he employed emerging technologies and persistent detective work to solve a 36-year-old cold case, an effort that illustrates his long-term impact on his community by providing resolution for victims and their loved ones.

The Largo Police Department's Officer Malandro, Officer Stamper, and Specialist Nutbrown were honored for transforming over 500 lives affected by homelessness through innovative solutions intelligently designed to directly engage with this pressing social issue. "These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve," Garland highlighted. Their work has encompassed partnering with shelters and shaping new city ordinances to address the complex challenges faced by individuals without stable housing, as per the Department of Justice.

The Attorney General's Award spotlights officers who profoundly engage in community policing through criminal investigations, field operations, or police innovation. The honorees, chosen from a national pool of nominees, were acknowledged for their active participation in creating safer and more inclusive communities. For more details on the awards and the winners, the Department of Justice encourages visiting their official website.