2-301.13 - 2020 Distinguished Service Ribbon

To establish and authorize the 2020 Distinguished Service Ribbon as a formal Department award recognizing honorable, professional, and resilient service by Minneapolis Police Department members during the historic and multifaceted challenges of the year 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and sustained emergency response operations.

It is the policy of the Minneapolis Police Department to formally honor members who exemplified exceptional dedication to duty and upheld the Department’s highest standards during the unprecedented conditions of 2020. The 2020 Distinguished Service Ribbon symbolizes resilience, integrity, and distinguished performance in the face of profound and overlapping crises. It acknowledges performance that exceeded the requirements of the employee’s basic work assignment, exemplifying dedication, professionalism, and resilience.

Eligibility Criteria

The ribbon may be awarded to sworn and non-sworn members who meet all of the following criteria:

1. Performed active duty for a cumulative minimum of 30 days between May 25, 2020 and December 31, 2020, during which they either:

1. Participated in field, supervisory, or support assignments in response to civil unrest, public health emergencies, or operational continuity needs within Minneapolis.

or

2. Provided essential administrative, public safety, or logistical support during the specified time frame.

2. Consistently demonstrated professional conduct, in alignment with the MPD code of ethics.
3. Were not subject to any sustained disciplinary findings related to misconduct during the qualifying period.

Award Ribbon Description

1. The 2020 Distinguished Service Ribbon consists of:

1. A ribbon bar:

1. Featuring a navy-blue field, symbolizing trust, dignity, confidence, and authority, qualities demonstrated through unwavering service in professional law enforcement.
2. The ribbon’s gold outline, 2020 insignia, and gold badge with a navy-blue center represent the noble profession of law enforcement and the enduring dedication of those who continued to serve. These elements serve as a lasting tribute to the strength, perseverance, and professionalism displayed by recipients during this pivotal period in MPD’s history.

2. An official certificate signed by the Chief of Police.

2. The ribbon may be worn in accordance with MPD uniform standards (P&P 3-122).

Nomination and Approval Process

1. Nominations may be submitted by any supervisor.

2. When submitting the Recommendation using the Award form (MP-1600), the supervisor shall include in the comments a description of nominated member’s role during the qualifying period and a brief justification for the nomination.
3. Nominations shall be routed through the chain of command to the Awards Committee, which will make recommendations to the Chief of Police (P&P 2-301).
4. Final award decisions rest solely with the Chief (P&P 2-301).

• Crisis: An event or situation where a person's safety and health may be threatened by behavioral health challenges, to include mental health conditions, intellectual or developmental disabilities, substance use, or overwhelming stressors. A crisis can involve a person's perception or experience of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the person's current resources and coping mechanisms and may include unusual stress in their life that renders the person unable to function as they normally would.