District Attorney Jim Martin was honored by the Citizens Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley May 23 with the Inaugural Award for Law Enforcement Innovation and Leadership Excellence.

This was the first presentation of the award at the 42nd annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day luncheon at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia.

Deibert Group President Matthew Deibert noted Martin’s six terms as district attorney and Martin’s “vision to implement cutting-edge technologies and leading impactful community collaborations to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of law enforcement.”

Martin also developed the Lehigh County Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center, which began operations in 2013. The center is directed by Julia Kocis, who manages the center’s personnel and consultants from Computer Aid Inc. The RIIC integrates data from all police departments in the county, as well as data from Northampton County. The center consolidateds access to dozens of local, state and federal databases in one electronic crime-fighting resource, which has assisted in the investigation of numerous crimes and has dramatically enhanced the ability of law enforcement agencies to solve crimes. The RIIC has partnered with Homeland Security Investigations in Washington, D.C., which is using its Gang Intelligence System for tracking transnational gangs.

Deibert said, “In my opinion, the best example of DA Martin’s leadership and vision is the successful implementation of the RIIC. In establishing the RIIC, Jim brought the same technology that powers the New York City Real-Time Crime Center to Lehigh County,” he wrote.

“Since its inception, the RIIC has been an indispensable asset to our region’s ability to fight crime, apprehend criminals and protect the public. It allows for the coordination of vital information between different law enforcement entities; essential to ensure public safety, pursue leads and solve crimes. The RIIC is a scalable technology solution that other Pennsylvania counties can utilize and should be given serious consideration by law enforcement leadership in Pennsylvania.”

Martin said, “I am honored to have received this recognition from the Citizens Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley and accept it also on behalf of Julia Kocis, director of the RIIC, and our partners at Computer Aid Inc. Both have contributed greatly to the success of the center and to law enforcement in the Lehigh Valley.“