Promotion

The ceremony also recognized the promotion of Sgt. Scott Stevens who was hired in 2003 as a police officer, and most recently served as an investigator before being promoted to sergeant. Sgt. Stevens recently wrote and received a grant for the Department that will provide training and expertise in addressing gender bias in policing, and is on a two-year special assignment to manage the project. He is also serving as a supervisor over domestic violence and sexual assault investigations.

Richard Lee Award 

The Richard “Dick” Lee award was established in 1999 by several retired ICPD officers to honor the life work of Captain Dick Lee, who served as an Iowa City Police Officer for 32 years. The annual award is presented to an officer in recognition of outstanding sustained efforts over the last year which positively impacted the community through a program or activity. 

Officer Ashley Jay is a member of the Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team and a member and instructor for the Crisis Intervention Team. She also launched a peer-to-peer support program within the ICPD that benefits the health and well-being of the officers. Her persistence has moved peer-to-peer support within our police community from a concept, to a reality, and her leadership in this area is worthy of recognition.  

Civilian Employee of the Year 

The Civilian Employee of the Year award was created in 2013 by retired Community Service Officer Lynda Ambrose to recognize the efforts and contributions of non-sworn personnel who are critical to maintaining the success and mission of the department on a daily basis. 

Kelly Jehle is a Station Master and has worked in public safety for 18 years, 12 with the ICPD. She is known for her incredible work ethic and compassionate service. She’s known to be attentive to the officers’ radio traffic and immediately provides additional information, many times without it being requested. She is known as the ‘shift mom’ by the late-night officers, often making them popcorn during usually stressful or busy shifts.  

Officer of the Year 

The Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to the officer who most significantly demonstrates work and behavioral ethics that mirror the Iowa City Police Department’s oath of honor, and exemplifies a positive image of the Iowa City Police Department as well as the community.

Officer Luke Erickson currently serves as an investigator and has been with the department for less than six years. He has consistently performed at a high level, well exceeding expectations for an officer with his years of service. Officer Erickson has especially excelled in the area of investigations and offers a presence that is uniquely calming, yet clear and concise with a commitment to providing strong customer service. Officer Erickson is a member of our committee to reduce Disproportionate Minority Contact and is a Field Training Officer.