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FBI NEIA PENRITH AWARD

Kathleen O’Toole

Kathleen O’Toole, former Police Chief of the Seattle Police Department named recipient of the 2020 FBI NEIA PENRITH AWARD.

Kathleen O’Toole is a lawyer and career police officer who has earned an international reputation for her principled leadership and reform efforts.  In 2018, she completed her service as Chief of Police in Seattle, Washington where she led the Seattle Police Department through a major transformation project.  In addition to addressing the requirements of the Settlement Agreement between the US Department of Justice and the City, Kathleen introduced leading-edge business practices and operational strategies that reduced crime and enhanced community trust.  

Commencing in May 2017, Kathleen also chaired the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.  In September 2018, the Commission presented to Government its findings and recommendations for sweeping reforms to An Garda Síochána, the Irish national police service.  Kathleen had previously served a six-year term as Chief Inspector of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, an oversight body responsible for advising the Irish Minister of Justice and recommending best practices for policing and security.  

Earlier in her career, Kathleen rose through the ranks of local and state policing in Massachusetts.  She began her career as a beat cop in the Boston Police Department and was assigned to numerous patrols, investigative, undercover, supervisory and management positions.  She served as Superintendent (Chief) of the Metropolitan District Commission Police and Lieutenant Colonel overseeing Special Operations in the Massachusetts State Police. She was later appointed Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety and Boston Police Commissioner.
The Penrith Award is a unique honor given to a law enforcement executive who is selected by past recipients of this coveted award.

Eligible members are graduates of the FBI National Executive Institute and are nominated by a fellow graduate.

“It is recognition of the best in law enforcement by those previously recognized as the best in law enforcement,” said President Paul Pastor. National leadership, courage in the face of adversity, substantial or innovative contributions to the administrative of law enforcement are among the traits that are considered by the selection committee.

The Penrith Award, first initiated in 1991 by Gary Penrith, now retired FBI Special Agent in Charge and Past President of the FBI NEIA, is named in honor of Gary’s Father, a prominent Chicago businessman slain during an armed robbery.

Former Penrith Award Winners