Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) - PFC. Jen Klinsic of the Lexington Police Department has received special recognition by being presented the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 8738’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for 2019. The award was presented during the Post’s Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Klinsic was nominated for this award for her work within the Community Action Team (C.A.T.). She has been involved in the many programs and events that benefit the Town of Lexington, SC community over the past year. Her activities may involve visits to small groups or assisting in the organization of larger neighborhood fairs that help that community’s citizens and especially its children know they are supported by the Police Department in a positive manner.
According to the Lexington Police Department’s website, the Community Action Team (CAT) is the unit primarily responsible for community-oriented policing. CAT officers receive special training in community relations, crime prevention, and gang trends. Working with the patrol and criminal investigations divisions, CAT officers ensure that community input is part of the action plans patrol officers and detectives work under.
CAT officers also are key to the crime prevention programs of the Department. This is no longer just handing out coloring books once a year at school. Throughout the year, CAT officers compile lists of crime prevention tips that are appropriate for what crime trends officers see daily. The Department's CAT Officers will also conduct Security Audits of your residence or business if you request them. These officers also speak to neighborhood groups or businesses about crime prevention strategies.
Throughout the year, Pfc. Klinsic does all this and more to be a smiling, positive face of the LPD. Through her work, thousands of people, young and old alike, have learned that the women and men of the Lexington Police Department are their friends and you can depend on them as helpers when they are needed.
Police Chief Terrance Green and a large contingent of VFW members were on hand as Klinsic received her award.
