QUANTICO, Va. -- When one member of an organization is recognized, it speaks well of that individual. When multiple people are honored from the same organization, it reflects the quality depth in that unit.
The latter is the case in the Office of Special Investigations, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
On Sept. 1, IACP announced it’s 2022 40 Under 40 Award went to OSI Special Agents Devin Payne and Alexander Perkins. They are the first OSI members so honored since SA Lauren Ware, then of the OSI Academy, in 2019.
This IACP award program recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world that demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to their profession.
When notified of his selection, Payne’s initial reaction “was complete disbelief.”
“I’ve researched previous recipients and couldn’t help but be impressed,” said Payne, the Officer in Charge of the Major Crimes and Economic Crimes Flights, at Detachment 515, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. “To now be recognized alongside these law enforcement professionals, while representing OSI, is an incredible privilege I owe to my team at Det. 515 for accepting me as their OIC and producing phenomenal work.”
Perkins echoed the “we more than me” rationale about being chosen a 40 Under 40 awardee.
“This award is not mine alone, it really belongs to a long list of people who pushed me to do my very best,” said Perkins, the Commander, Det. 805, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. “It’s awesome knowing they also get to be recognized by IACP, because without them I would have never had the opportunities I’ve had over the past 19 years in the military.”
According to the IACP website, which reads in part: The dedicated law enforcement professionals selected for the 40 Under 40 Award are current and up-and-coming leaders. This year’s class serves as patrol officers, special agents, investigators, command staff, public information officers, school resource officers, researchers, training coordinators, community engagement officers and others. They represent all types and sizes of law enforcement agencies, including state, local, federal, and military.
It further stated: These extraordinary leaders are driven by their commitment to improve their agencies and the personnel they work with. Regardless of rank, these law enforcement professionals have dedicated their careers to raising the bar for their communities and for those who serve their communities. These role models improve themselves by focusing outwardly on advancing those around them. They make sacrifices to ensure their agencies and their peers are serving at their very best.
With more than 32,000 members in 168 countries, IACP is the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders. IACP is a recognized leader in global policing, committed to advancing safer communities through thoughtful, progressive police leadership. Since 1893, the association has been serving communities by speaking out on behalf of law enforcement and advancing leadership and professionalism in policing worldwide.
IACP’s global reputation makes the 40 Under 40 Award recognizing OSI efforts meaningful for Payne and Perkins.
“It’s honestly been surreal,” Payne said. “I feel insanely humbled to have been recognized as an emerging leader by the leadership within OSI as well as an organization such as the IACP. The award is especially satisfying because of OSI investments in me.”
“Anytime we can highlight what OSI does day-in and day-out is amazing and it feels good being a part of it,” Perkins said. “Very little in OSI is done by one, and everything I’ve achieved was with a partner or a team and they all get to share in the credit.”
All 40 of the 2022 winners will be recognized at this year’s IACP Annual Conference and Exposition in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 15-18.