The Danville Police Department received recognition at the International Association of Chiefs of Police C Conference (IACP) Tuesday night in Boston. The Department received the IACP Excellence in Criminal Investigations Award.  The award is given in recognition of exceptional innovation in managing and conducting criminal investigations with a goal of sharing information to advance the art and science of criminal investigations.

According to a press release from the department the Award recognizes the Special Investigations Section for the following:  The Danville Police Department Special Investigations Section has evolved rapidly over the past seven years to address a gang problem that left the city of approximately 40,000 residents wrestling with the highest per capita homicide rate in Virginia in 2017. When fatal and nonfatal overdoses began trending upwards in 2021, the Danville Police Department drew on lessons learned and applied a multifront effort to address the problem, including aggressive investigation and prosecution of drug traffickers, data-driven crime deterrence and interdiction efforts, and the provision of resources to substance abuse victims. In 2023, the team used this methodology to drive a downward trend in overdoses. This case embodies investigative excellence through effective use of a holistic approach to overdose investigation and mitigation, applying constant investigative pressure to high-level drug traffickers. In addition, the department has been proactive in sharing their model with neighboring agencies and national law enforcement groups, improving the profession and multiplying their success.

This is the departments First IACP award.