Detective Thomas W. Troppmann & Officer Edwin Rodriguez

Sloan Public Service Awards • 2016

Title and Organization Neighborhood Coordination Officers, 34th Precinct, Washington Heights, New York Police Department

Bio

Detective Troppmann and Officer Rodriguez are transforming the perception and role of police in Washington Heights through a new NYPD initiative. Neighborhood-Based Policing restores the patrol officer to the role of problem-solver and community guardian who knows the neighborhood and works closely with residents and businesses. Troppmann and Rodriguez give out their cell phone numbers and email addresses, encouraging people to reach out whenever it would be helpful to address public safety issues. Detective Troppmann, a 28 year veteran, and Office Rodriguez, an 8 year veteran, are fully committed to their neighborhood. Many of the strong personal relationships they have with the community have developed over years, but as Neighborhood Coordination Officers, they are now viewed as integral community partners. One resident comments, “Tommy and Edwin are like Washington Heights landmarks. They are always there for the community and wanting to help. They represent what policing should be everywhere.”