POALAC Innovation Award- Sergeant Tom LeVeque

On March 27, 2014, the Police Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC) held their annual Centurion Awards Ceremony.  Our very own Sergeant Tom LeVeque was recognized for his work in Social Media and awarded the Innovation Award.   

Several years ago, Tom recognized that Social Media was a great median to engage our community and get information out in a timely manner.  Since that time, his foresight has proven true. Tom's contributions have helped bring Law Enforcement Social Media (or #LESM) to where it is today.  

The motto of the Arcadia Police Department is "Making a Difference."  Sergeant LeVeque truly has made a difference, not only in our department, but in the field of Law Enforcement Social Media.  

Nice work Tom and congratulations on your well deserved award and recognition.  

Here is a brief biography of Sergeant LeVeque's career and accomplishments:

Sergeant Tom Le Veque, Arcadia Police Department

With over 29 years of law enforcement experience, Sergeant Tom Le Veque is currently assigned as the Detective Bureau Supervisor for the Arcadia Police Department.  As an ancillary duty, Tom coordinates the Social Media and Communications platforms for the Department.  He co-instructs a Basic Social Media for Law Enforcement course offered through the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST), and has been a presenter or panel member on behalf of the California Police Chiefs Association, California Peace Officers’ Association, Southern California Public Radio, Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, and the S.M.I.L.E. Conference series.  Tom has also authored and contributed to articles published by the Cal Chiefs News and the  ConnectedCOPS.net website.
   

San Marino Police Department:

·        Police Explorer   1978-1982

·        Police Cadet       1982-1984

·        LASD Academy   1984-1985

·        Police Officer     1985-1987

Arcadia Police Department (Lateral Police Officer):

·        Police Officer     1987-1991

o   Field Training Officer

o   Traffic Officer

o   Explorer Advisor

o   LAIMPACT (Task Force) 1990-1991

·        Police Sergeant  1991-Present

o   FTO Supervisor

o   Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute  2002-2003

o   Traffic/Motor Sergeant  2005-2008

o   Detective Bureau Supervisor  1996-1999, 2009-Present

o   Social Media Coordinator  2010-Present

o   CA POST Instructor  2010-Present

·        Acting Police Lieutenant   2011-2013

o   Detective Bureau Commander

Achievements:

·        Medal of Merit   2005

·        Community Service Ribbon  2006

·        Officer of the Year  2006 and 2011

·        Life-Saving Award  2013