Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening was named Law Enforcement Person of the Year by the American Academy for Professional Law Enforcement (AAPLE) for his commitment to reducing crime and raising the quality of life in New York City. Tonight's award was presented to the Mayor by Patrick E. Kelleher, the Association's President and the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. The Academy's 25th annual event was held at the American Express Tower in New York City.
"Five years ago, people believed New York City's crime problem was overwhelming," said Mayor Giuliani. "After all, in the early 1990s we averaged more than 2,000 murders a year. Government at that time was unable to formulate a comprehensive response to the problem. It was more concerned with rationalizing the crime problem rather than attacking it."
"I am proud of what we've done together over the last five years," the Mayor added. "Without a doubt, our united efforts have been the key to the City's overall resurgence. New York City crime has plummeted by nearly 50 percent, and homicides have dropped by more than 70 percent. A City that used to have more than 2,000 murders per year now has under 800 per year. That's still too high - but we no longer believe it's beyond our control. We know that we have made a difference, and we know that we can continue to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers."
"Thanks to the hard work of police officers and other law enforcement professionals gathered here and across the City, we have transformed New York City. I would like to thank AAPLE again for this great honor. I have no doubt that working together we will continue to set the nationwide standard for crime reduction," the Mayor concluded.
AAPLE also recognized New York City Police Sergeant Lisa Manzi who received the Robert Colangelo Award named in honor of former NYPD Chief of Detectives and past president of AAPLE. Sergeant Manzi, AAPLE's recording secretary, was honored for her commitment to the organization.
Formed in 1974, The American Academy for Professional Law Enforcement is dedicated to fostering professionalism and addressing law enforcement issues that affect society. AAPLE consists of over 1,000 active members from City, State, Federal law and private enforcement agencies.