Senator Hassell-Thompson Receives Prestigious Benjamin Ward Leadership Award

On November 4, 2009, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson was presented with the Benjamin Ward Leadership Award by the New York State Minorities in Criminal Justice, Inc.  Benjamin Ward served with great distinction as the former Commissioner of both the NYS Department of Correctional Services and the NYC Police Department.  This award seeks to recognize individuals working to increase representation in the criminal justice field, while concurrently working to alleviate the racial inequity resulting from the disproportionate number of minorities incarcerated in jails and prisons.  Senator Hassell-Thompson is the first woman to receive this award.

  “I am honored to receive this award from my colleagues who have dedicated themselves to increasing opportunities for persons of color in the New York State criminal justice profession,” said Senator Hassell-Thompson.  This organization provides a voice to many hard-working employees who put their lives on the line everyday as they promote leadership, excellence and service.”   

 “Benjamin Ward was at the forefront of the criminal justice arena and he was an excellent role model for us to follow.  As Chairwoman of the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, I intend to continue balancing the needs of those protecting the public with those who are currently incarcerated,” Senator Hassell-Thompson continued.