Columbia Police Officer Recognized with Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, including Lance Corporal Justin Boyd of the Columbia Police Department.

This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety.

"Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety," said Attorney General Garland. "These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve. Their work is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the profound impact law enforcement can have on individuals, neighborhoods, and society."

The best of community policing is demonstrated throughout the work of Lance Corporal Boyd - from the partnerships he forms, to the community outreach that's a regular part of his work, to the investigations he successfully conducts to make his community safer. And that involves all segments of the community -- including those disenfranchised residents who often go unseen and unheard. Thanks to his efforts, their voices are now part of the conversation, and the community is safer for it.

"Lance Corporal Boyd represents the best of South Carolina law enforcement. Our community is stronger and safer thanks to his dedicated service," said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. "Now, more than ever, we need officers like him, dedicated to community policing. Congratulations, LCpl Boyd."

"This prestigious award is proof that law enforcement officers care about the people who live, work, and play in the various communities in which they serve. And that is exactly the gift that Lance Corporal Boyd offers City of Columbia citizens," said Columbia Police Chief W.H. 'Skip' Holbrook. "He has a genuine way of connecting with people in a relatable, caring level. For him, community policing goes beyond a daily assignment -- he embraces it wholeheartedly."

The Attorney General's Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.

The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements in fostering safer, more inclusive communities.

The Department of Justice commends these officers for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their communities. For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov.

###