2008 Award Recipient – Ray Keith
On May 22, 2007 the UC Irvine Police Department was notified that the Irvine police Department discovered the bodies of a UCI student’s father and sister murdered in a park about one mile away from UCI campus. The student’s mother was found critically wounded at their residence in Anaheim, which had been set on fire. At the time of this tragic event, it was unclear if the UCI student was in any immediate danger due to the violent nature of the crime and the proximity of the crime scene o the UCI campus, where the student resided.
UCIPD, in close coordination with UCI Administration, quickly acted to provide the surviving student with resources. Ofc. Keith was the first police officer to respond to provide the student protection. Ofc. Keith took the lead role in coordinating the 24-hour protection detail, which the student voluntarily accepted. Ofc. Keith’s professionalism and empathy set the stage for a safe and compassionate environment for the student to begin her grieving process. In addition, Officer Keith provided numerous hours with partner officers to provide the student with 24 hour protection enabling her to continue her academic endeavors in a safe manner.
Ofc. Keith’s efforts and good judgment are an example of the dedication and professionalism displayed by a committed and experienced UCI police officer. I strongly recommend Officer Keith for the Crime Survivors Award for his devotion in making sure the security of the campus community remained at the highest level, while also taking into consideration the individual security of the student.