Metropolitan Police Department to receive community policing award

The Metropolitan Police Department has received a national award recognizing its work in West Las Vegas.

It was one of three agencies that received the Webber Seavy Award, the International Association of Chiefs of Police's top honor for community policing.

The award recognizes Safe Village, a partnership between law enforcement, the government and the community to reduce violent crime in West Las Vegas.

Since Safe Village began in 2006, gun crimes in West Las Vegas have steadily decreased.

Deputy Chief Gary Schofield, Capt. Larry Burns and the Rev. Willie Cherry of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church will travel to Chicago next week to accept the award.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.