The New York Gang Investigators Association (NYGIA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and suppression of gangs and gang activity in New York. Nominations must be limited to the length of this form and two additional pages (if needed). Any photographs, clippings, videos or other relevant materials may also be submitted. Return the completed form and any attachments to the address listed on the bottom of this form.
Through this awards program, the NYGIA hopes to encourage the development of new and exciting gang prevention and intervention programs as well as recognize those who put their lives on the line every day to make a positive difference within our communities.
It provides the frame of reference in which we will provide non-monetary awards to agencies and/or individuals who have excelled in the field of gang investigations and gang prevention initiatives. Included you will find the criteria for each award category and a modified submission form.
We, in the New York Gang Investigators Association are working to recognize those dedicated to gang prevention and enforcement that work for local, state and federal law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, probation agencies as well as private providers throughout the State of New York.
Important Dates
- Annual Award Nomination Announcements: May 21st of each year.
- Award Nominations Due: June 21st to NYGIA, PO Box 794, Yonkers, NY 10703, Attention: Awards Program.
- Award Winners Announcements: During the Opening ceremonies of the Annual Conference. Official announcements will be placed on the NYGIA website immediately following the annual conference.
- Nominations may be made by any component within those government departments and agencies assigned or supporting a gang enforcement, prevention and/ or intervention mission.
- There is no limit on the number of submissions allowed.
- A nomination packet must include a completed copy of the enclosed submission form and a nomination letter signed by the agency or department head or designee; a nomination narrative must be included if applicable. Copies of documents and electronic or print media must be submitted as required by the individual award criteria.
- Guidance on the content and length of the narrative is included in the specific criteria for each award. The narrative must address the award selection criteria.
- Items submitted for nomination become the property of the NYGIA, which may reproduce and distribute as appropriate. The submitting organization or author retains all internal distributions and publication rights.
- The Awards Board, evaluates the nominations and selects the winners. Decisions of the Awards Board, whose deliberations are independent and private, are final
- The winners are formally honored and the awards are presented at the annual NYGIA Gang Training Conference during Opening Ceremonies.
- All of those who submitted awards will be notified of the board’s decision in advance of the annual NYGIA Gang Training Conference
- Participating agencies/ organizations are encouraged to establish internal procedures for these nominations, to include suitable recognition for those nominated but not selected as award winners.
The NYGIA Awards Program presents the non-monetary President’s Award in recognition of exceptional individual dedication to the Association, Board of Directors and/ or the President in support of the overall mission of the NYGIA during the award period. The winner of this award is chosen solely by the NYGIA President.
The criteria considered include, but not limited to, the following:
- Exceptional Performance as a member of the New York Gang Investigators Association, and/or;
- Support of the Association’s President, its mission, goals and objectives and/or;
- Involvement in the Association to further and promote the gang enforcement, prevention and /or intervention profession.
Gang Investigator of the Year Award
The NYGIA Awards Program presents non-monetary Gang Investigator of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding individual accomplishments during the award period. The criteria considered include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Evidence of individual ability to investigate gang activity.
- Demonstrate knowledge in the area of gang investigations.
- Innovative and creative use of resources to effectively combat gang activity.
The nomination narrative should be no longer than three pages, single-spaced, and should describe the specific accomplishments of the nominee.
The NYGIA Awards Program presents non-monetary Gang Unit of the Year Award for law enforcement agencies in recognition of outstanding unit accomplishments during the award period. The criteria considered include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Evidence of the unit’s ability to successfully combat gang activity.
- Creation or development of innovative gang enforcement strategies.
- Mission accomplishments and successes at the unit level resulting in a decrease in gang activity.
The nomination narrative should be no longer than three pages, single-spaced, and should describe the specific accomplishments of the nominee.
Intervention/Prevention “Gang Coordinator” of the Year Award
The NYGIA Awards Program presents non-monetary Intervention/Prevention “Gang Coordinator” of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding individual accomplishments during the award period. The criteria considered include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Evidence of individual ability to
- Demonstrate knowledge in the area of juvenile gang members.
- Innovative and creative use of resources to reduce gang activity.
The nomination narrative should be no longer than three pages, single-spaced, and should describe the specific accomplishments of the nominee.
The Excellence in Media Award recognizes the reporter, editor or news director of a media outlet such as newspapers, magazines, radio stations and television channels in recognition of as having done the most within the award period to increase public knowledge about gang issues. These awards are designed to stimulate the development and distribution of gang-related education and awareness.
A copy of the written, radio or video piece that stimulated the nomination should accompany each nomination. This award may not necessarily be conferred on an annual basis.
Each nominee must be submitted on a separate nomination form, unless the nominees are intended to be considered as a group for one award. All nominees must be received by June 21st. Please note that if your nominee is selected, a representative of the organization is asked to be present to receive the award.
