Margate Police Department has recognized Karen Shovali as the 2024 Civilian of the Year, acknowledging her integral role in bolstering police accountability and transparency. Shovali, who transitioned into law enforcement after two decades as an accountant and bookkeeper, has notably served in code enforcement since joining the department nine years ago and as an Accreditation Coordinator for the past six years, as per the City of Margate announcement.
Her work requires her to continuously ensure that the department's practices are in compliance with the standards set by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). Clearly dedicated to her role, she has recently become a CFA Assessor, allowing her not only to review other agencies but also to easily bring back best practices to enhance her own department. Shovali's efforts were instrumental in maintaining Margate PD's accreditation status, a badge of honor the agency has proudly worn since 1997.
The recognition comes as no surprise to her supervisors, who have consistently praised Shovali for her "dedication, professionalism, and commitment," as highlighted in the official announcement. These accolades underscore the high regard in which she is held within the department, as well as the broader community she serves.
Expressing her passion for the job, Shovali says, "I love my job. There are a lot of good people working for the police department," as noted by the city's website. Her statement, indicative of a strong belief in her colleagues and the wider law enforcement community, resonates with a sense of foundational commitment to public service. Staying true to her ideals, she aims to continually strive for the professional zenith, asserting, "Accreditation is a very important goal and has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. You want to be the best you can be," as she told the Margate Police Department.
