Southampton Detective Honored For Protecting People With Special Needs From Abuse

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A Southampton Town Police detective has been honored twice for his work with the New York State Justice Center, which protects and supports individuals with special needs and disabilities from abuse.

"Detective Kevin Gwinn has been at the forefront of the department's work to ensure that our community members with special needs are protected," a release from the Southampton Town Police Department said.

"He has collaborated and worked closely with the New York State Justice Center to ensure that several recent cases involving abuse have seen successful prosecutions, of those individuals responsible are brought to justice," the release added.

Gwinn, a 30-year veteran and "highly decorated" officer was recognized first on September 14 by the Justice Center, receiving “The Champion Award” — the first law enforcement officer to ever to receive the honor — and on September 19, Gwinn was one of only two law enforcement officers in New York State to be honored for “demonstrating a commitment to the Justice Center's mission to support and protect the health, safety, and dignity of people with special needs," the release said. "The department is proud and fortunate to have such an officer dedicated to the protection and safety of our community."