Justice Department Honors Retired Law Enforcement Officer With Professional Innovation Award

          WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today presented Richard H. Norcross III, a retired law enforcement officer from Keasbey, New Jersey, with the Professional Innovation Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. This honor recognizes a program, organization or individual who has helped to expand the reach of victims’ rights and services.

            “Early in his career as a detective, Mr. Norcross nearly lost his life in an attack that claimed the lives of both his brother, who was a patrolman, and a second detective,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Since that tragedy, he has provided police officers and other crime victims with support throughout their recoveries. Even after his retirement from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, he has used his experience to develop innovative technology that enables prosecutors to provide critical information to victims.”

          After an injury from the shooting that took his brother’s life forced him into retirement, Norcross joined CSI Technology Group, a law enforcement computer software company, where he helped create a portal to replace an outdated victim notification system. The portal provides direct links to services and real-time case information and has revolutionized the way prosecutors’ offices and crime victims communicate, making victims feel more connected and better informed. Through a password-protected site, victims can file an impact statement, communicate with an advocate and upload receipts, pictures and documents needed for their restitution requests.

           “Mr. Norcross’ dedication and compassion, borne of personal experience as a survivor himself, make his technological contributions even more significant,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “Through ingenuity and a steadfast commitment to service, he has helped thousands of law enforcement officers and victims of crime in the aftermath of trauma.”

            The Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a component of OJP, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and hosts an annual award ceremony. President Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.”