Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 | 6:45 p.m.
A Metro Police officer who spearheaded a community program credited with plummeting violent crime in downtown Las Vegas neighborhoods was honored by the U.S. attorney general.
Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday recognized Officer Phalon McFate with the Innovations in Community Policing honor at the third-annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.
McFate, who is assigned to Metro’s Downtown Area Command substation, was one of 19 officers in 12 U.S. jurisdictions who were honored, the federal agency said.
She is the architect behind Project Daybreak, a Metro community policing program that focuses its efforts on a set of central valley neighborhoods tucked between 21st Street and Eastern Avenue, said Metro spokesman Officer Aden OcampoGomez.
Since its inception, violent crime has been cut in half, the DOJ said.
Project Daybreak is part of Metro’s community-orienting policing (COP) initiative that hopes to connect with the community by organizing events, such as neighborhood cleanups and cookouts, OcampoGomez said.
The DOJ received about 200 nominations for more than 400 officers and agencies, the federal agency said.
“Honoring and supporting the work of law enforcement officers and deputies is a top priority for the Trump administration, and today is an opportunity for me to personally express my gratitude and commitment to those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Attorney General Barr in a news release. “The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing honors exceptional police officers and the vital public service they provide.”
