Museum’s Marcus Appelbaum Receives MPD 2016 Chief of Police Special Award as Community Partner

March 14, 2016

WASHINGTON—Marcus Appelbaum, the director of law, justice and society initiatives for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, received the 2016 Chief of Police Special Award, which honors deserving community partners, by the Metropolitan Police Department last week.

In 1999, the Museum, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, launched Law Enforcement & Society: Lessons of the Holocaust which examines the role their profession played in the Holocaust and asks them to reflect on their duties as law enforcement officers in a democracy today. The program has trained more than 6,000 Metropolitan Police Department officers and more than 100,000 officers in departments around the country as well as new FBI agents.

The Department recognized Appelbaum at its 16th Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 3 at Gallaudet University, for his continued partnership with the law enforcement group, expanding the existing law enforcement program last year by creating a new program as part of the Department's Community Engagement Academy. A partnership with that academy, a collegiate internship program and the Museum's Bringing the Lessons Home interns brought about 30 community members to the Museum, who went through day-long discussions regarding the role of police officers in today’s society.

(Watch highlights of the event here: https://youtu.be/WGZIpqX-7zw.)

This included ANC members, and community activists.  MPD also brought cops, cadets, and inservice officers.

"Mr. Appelbaum and his team led a deliberate, engaging and meaningful conversation between members of the public and law enforcement regarding current issues in policing and considerations from historical events, as observed through each member’s guided tour through the museum," says Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department.

"Community members later reflected on how much the experience of going through the Museum with members of the Police Department impacted and affected their thoughts on many of the current issues in law enforcement. Mr. Appelbaum has greatly enhanced the relationship between the Museum and the Department, and continues to work to expand this important relationship."

"The Metropolitan Police Department is one of the Museum’s strongest partners." Appelbaum says. "This agency is committed to service at the highest level, which makes this award so special.  I am honored to help continue to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve."

Note to media: Download a photo of Marcus Appelbaum of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum accepting the award from Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy L. Lanier: https://flic.kr/p/F8ojQn (Credit: Anthony Brown, Metropolitan Police Department)

About the Metropolitan Police Department

The Metropolitan Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the District of Columbia. The MPD has over 4,000 sworn and civilian members serving the city, which is divided into seven Police Districts, each of which is further subdivided into seven or more Police Service Areas (PSAs).

About the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org.