An ISBA Law Enforcement Award was presented May 17 to Patricia McConnell, director of investigations for the Office of Inspector General of the Illinois attorney general.

McConnell has oversight and hands-on involvement in confidential investigations of about 150 complaints annually of unethical and fraudulent conduct among state officials, employees and vendors.

In addition, her “exemplary history of service as a sworn officer for several municipalities and active participation in the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System make her an appropriate and deserving candidate” for the award, said ISBA Assembly member Sharon L. Eiseman in her nomination.

Also a hostage negotiator for the Northern Illinois SWAT team, McConnell participated in 11 incidents during 2006, “placing herself in harm's way in order to bring all involved to safety and protect the public,” Eiseman added.

McConnell supervised homicide investigations for the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force from 1993 to 1996. She worked full-time for the Winnetka Police Department from 1978 to 2005, and is a part-time officer with the Bannockburn Police Department.

“McConnell embodies a spirit of public service even in her volunteer activities,” Eiseman noted, including her service as current president of the Chicago-based Special Agents Association.

“In a field that has been traditionally dominated by men, this election acknowledges (her) broad-based acceptance by the law enforcement profession, as well as her strengths as an accomplished officer and as a leader.”

McConnell has received Police Officer of the Year recognition from the International Association of Women Police, Illinois Women in Law Enforcement and the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce. She received an Excellence in Law Enforcement Award from the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry.

For the past five years, McConnell has organized a charity golf outing to provide funds for the Police Chaplain's Ministry to assist officers who have substance dependencies and other problems.