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2017-18 VACP President Col. Kelvin L. Wright Recognizes Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone with 2018 President's Award
Each year, the President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation (VACP) selects an individual for the President's Award to recognize their meritorious efforts on behalf of the law enforcement profession and Virginia's criminal justice system.
This year, 2017-18 VACP President Colonel Kelvin L. Wright (Chesapeake) is proud to recognize Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone. The award was presented to Chief Boone at the VACP Annual Conference Awards Banquet on September 11, 2018 in Roanoke.Throughout his career, Chief Boone committed his efforts to forging relationships with Norfolk's diverse community members. As such, he undertook the significant responsibility of improving the department's community outreach efforts and building trust between citizens and law enforcement. Under his leadership, the Office of Community Relations was created and enhancements to available programs and local partnerships have seen a direct impact on Norfolk's community engagements.
Most notably, Chief Boone revolutionized the Norfolk Police Department's Recruitment Unit. He instituted a paid internship program that provides on-the-job experience prior to students entering the department. This enhanced the candidate pool, provided students an opportunity to intern alongside Norfolk police officers and created an open door for successful interns to enter the police academy. Additionally, Chief Boone improved the diversity within the Recruitment Unit, which resulted in an increase of diverse, qualified applicants and minority recruit candidates.
The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, known as NOBLE, recently selected Chief Larry Boone for the 2018 Eric Holder Leadership Award, an honor that recognizes law enforcement leaders who have helped bridge the gap between police and community. When Chief Boone took over in December 2016, the department reported a 19 percent drop in violent crime by the end of his first year on the job - reportedly the biggest drop in Norfolk since 1998. In 2018, violent crime is down 18 percent over July 2017, and the city is on track to see a 37 percent reduction in violent crime over a two-year period.
Chief Larry Boone began his successful law enforcement career with the Norfolk Police Department in 1989. He previously served as the Deputy Chief before taking the reins as Chief of Police on December 1, 2016. Prior assignments include his service as the Assistant Chief of Police, overseeing the Field Operations Bureau and the Commanding Officer of the First Patrol Division and Office of Professional Standards – Internal Affairs Unit. As a Lieutenant, he became the Officer in Charge of the K9 Unit and Officer in Charge of the Gang Suppression Unit.
Additionally, he was the Sector Commander of the Third Patrol Division and oversaw critical infrastructure protection in relation to mass gatherings and public events. As an officer and front line supervisor, he served in the Metro-Tactical Unit, K-9 Unit, Internal Affairs and the Field Operations Bureau – First Patrol Division.
Prior to joining the Norfolk Police Department, Chief Boone earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. In addition to his undergraduate studies, he played football for Georgia Southern University (Division I-AA), winning two national titles (1985, 1986). He also earned a Masters of Public Administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Furthermore, he is a 2010 graduate of the 241st Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and an active member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Associates and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. In addition to his active memberships in prestigious associations, he regularly volunteers in the community and participates in mentorship programs for Norfolk's youth.
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The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation (www.vachiefs.org) is a statewide charitable organization of federal, state and local police chiefs and other law enforcement executives dedicated to improving the professionalism of police agencies in Virginia and to providing training and education programs for law enforcement executives. The Association was founded in 1926 and has more than 600 members.
Photos will be available following the banquet at https://photos.vachiefs.org/VACP-Conferences/2018-VACP-Annual-Conference/
Contact: Ms. Dana Schrad, Executive Director
Mobile: (804) 338-9512 • Email: dana@vachiefs.org
For Release September 4, 2018
