WASHINGTON, D.C.—The FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) is pleased to announce Shirley Ginwright as a recipient of the 2016 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). Ms. Ginwright, an advocate for public safety and community engagement, was selected for having demonstrated outstanding contributions to her community through service.

The Director’s Community Leadership Award was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts on combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America. Recipients of this award are nominated by each of the FBI’s 56 field offices and are recognized for their service above and beyond the call of duty to help keep America and its residents safe.

Shirley Ginwright is the Chair of the Fairfax County, Va., Communities of Trust Committee (COTC), and an alumnus and graduate of the 2016 WFO Citizens Academy. After the riots in Ferguson, MO, Ms. Ginwright grew concerned about the safety of Fairfax County citizens and law enforcement officials, and saw a need to increase cooperation and communication between residents and public safety agencies. In 2014, she met with law enforcement leaders and elected officials to discuss what precautions were in place and what needed to be done to prevent violence from occurring in Fairfax County. Ms. Ginwright recommended the creation of a committee to improve law enforcement and community relationships. As a result of Ms. Ginwright’s initiative, the COTC was established bringing together local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies with community leaders to discuss community outreach and cooperation.

For the last two years, the COTC has held multiple meetings and organized a number of outreach events, including public safety days for youth and moderated community forums. These events have allowed citizens and public safety officials to communicate with each other and learn about the challenges facing each group. Ms. Ginwright has plans to establish a 501(c)(3) Public Safety Outreach Foundation in hopes to replicate the COTC in all counties in Virginia.

On April 28, 2017, Ms. Ginwright attended a ceremony at FBI Headquarters where she, along with recipients from across the country, was presented with the award by FBI Director James B. Comey.