About the awards

Excellent Service Commendation

For DPS employees who:

  • Provide service above and beyond everyday duties
  • Exhibit a high standard of job performance in a single incident, investigation, or exceptional arrest
  • Train others with dedication and concern in an effort to improve DPS operations
  • Submit a device or method that improves efficiency in administrative or tactical procedures

Meritorious Service Commendation

For DPS employees who:

  • Provide outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty
  • Perform highly creditable acts serving the community
  • Provide major protection of property
  • Demonstrate a consistent, highly professional performance over an extended period
  • Demonstrate uncommon perseverance in an ongoing investigation

Community Service Commendation

For DPS employees who:

  • Provide community service above and beyond everyday duties
  • Develop and implement a new campus program for crime prevention, community service, or other public safety activity
  • Sustain consistently exceptional community relations

Commendation for Valor

For DPS employees who:

  • Demonstrate uncommon courage and bravery, knowingly and rationally
  • Performs courageously in an action that places a Department employee in grave personal danger
  • Demonstrate outstanding performance of duty demanding the highest expression of integrity, including sacrificing peer approval

Lifesaving Award

For DPS employees who:

  • Attempt to save a life knowingly and directly, even if unsuccessful

Chief's Award

For community members or groups who:

  • Assist a DPS employee
  • Perform commendable acts, such as lifesaving measures

Nominations and recipients

DPS employees, community members and organizations are eligible to submit nominations and receive awards.