NOPD Chief of Detectives Paul Noel is the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Gary Hayes Award from the Police Executive Research Forum (P.E.R.F.). 

The annual award is given to a mid-career law enforcement officer in a departmental leadership position who demonstrates imagination, creativity, resourcefulness, and initiative in the design or implementation of new approaches to policing. 

Noel has been an integral part in designing, implementing, and teaching the principles of EPIC (Ethical Policing Is Courageous) and ABLE (Active Bystandersship for Law Enforcement) to law enforcement agencies around the United States as well as internationally. 

“I want to congratulate Paul Noel on receiving this prestigious award," said NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. “He has played a major role in implementing successful law enforcement reforms at NOPD and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless efforts.  

Noel credited all NOPD personnel for working to implement the changes seen at the department. 

“I’m truly thankful to members of NOPD. We have shown that we can effectively reduce crime by policing morally and ethically, while continuing to build community relationships,” Noel said.