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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 3, 2004
WEST CHICAGO POLICE COMMANDER TO RECEIVE
AWARD FROM ILLINOIS STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

Bruce Malkin, commander of the West Chicago Problem Oriented Police Unit, will receive the 2004 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) on Monday, May 3, at 8 a.m., during the opening session of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association at the Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, 4051 E. Main St., in St. Charles. The award is being given in recognition of the commander's innovative approach to battling street gangs. Attorney Irene Bahr, ISBA third vice president, will present the award.

In his nomination letter, Joseph E. Birkett, DuPage County State's Attorney, said that Commander Malkin "has demonstrated zeal, compassion, ingenuity and commitment in the fight against street gangs."

Malkin's police unit works proactively to develop community action plans to address neighborhood problems, such as the award-winning Clayton Street Project community mobilization program. The cooperative effort helped clean up a gang and drug pocket of crime on Clayton Street in West Chicago.

A published author whose articles on gang prevention have appeared in several publications, Malkin has testified as an expert witness during trials of street gang members, most notably on the People of the State of Illinois vs. The Satan Disciples. He is an active member of the DuPage County State's Attorney's Task Force on Street Gangs.

The Law Enforcement Award was created to recognize sworn law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and to distinguish those individuals whose service to the public brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system. The award is given sparingly to recognize those who truly excel in the field of law enforcement.

The 30,000-member Illinois State Bar Association, with offices in Springfield and Chicago, provides professional services to Illinois lawyers, and education and services to the public.