Newton Officer Honored by MA Assoc.Of Women In Law Enforcement

NEWTON, MA — A Newton police officer has been recognized by the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAWLE) as one of this year's Spirit of MAWLE Award honorees.

The 2023 Spirit of MAWLE Awards was held on Thursday, June 22 at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton. Six women, including Sgt. Melanie Rooney of the Newton Police Department, were recognized in award categories, and an additional 36 women received Special Recognition certificates.

"The Spirit of MAWLE Awards were first held in 2012 in memory of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Ellen Engelhardt, who passed away in 2011," said MAWLE President Marie Cleary. "Since then, we have continued to celebrate significant achievements by women in law enforcement and criminal justice professions, and are inspired by how the number of nominations has grown each year."

"We were delighted to welcome so many award recipients, police chiefs, colleagues, family members and friends as we recognized this year's award recipients and their exceptional contributions," Cleary added. "I would also like to acknowledge the members of the Awards Selection Committee, who help to make this event successful each year."

Sgt. Rooney received the Leadership award, which recognizes a woman who distinguishes herself through superior accomplishments or continuing long-term involvement and using leadership skills that make a significant contribution within the agency or to the law enforcement mission.

According to MAWLE, Rooney was recognized for her ability to create innovative ideas, carry out strategic initiatives, lead others by example, and seek to achieve excellence.

Rooney created the Newton Police Department Problem-Oriented Policing Unit, which is responsible for identifying public safety problems, analyzing incidents, and responding appropriately. She also attended training with the Norfolk County Crisis Intervention Team & Technical Assistance Center, helping to progress the Newton Police Department's crisis intervention response, and has joined the Newton Community Crisis Intervention Team.

In addition, Rooney partnered with the department's Jail Diversion Clinician, co-responding to over 50 calls and 200 follow-up service calls between June and December 2022.

"Sgt. Rooney was recognized for her ability to successfully incorporate her leadership qualities and training into day-to-day operations," MAWLE said in a statement. "She has excelled in addressing mental health and substance use disorder matters and performs her duties with dignity, respect and empathy. She is described as being the personification of excellence in leadership amongst her peers and the law enforcement community."