Ethical Courage Award

Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington, KY Police Dept.

The Institute for Law Enforcement Administration presented its 2021 Ethical Courage Award to Chief Lawrence Weathers of the Lexington, Kentucky Police Department. Chief Weathers is recognized for his commitment to ethical leadership during the challenging time of policing through the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest surrounding racial protests in 2020. Chief Weathers joined the Lexington Police Department in 1989 as a patrol officer, promoting through the ranks, and was sworn in as Chief of Police on March 4, 2018. His leadership before the 2020 protests built a strong foundation with the officers and the community that proved fundamental to avoiding the problems experienced in other cities. Even during the protests, he was willing to engage protesters with calm respect. He exemplifies Community Oriented Policing – stressing both community and policing, not emphasizing one at the expense of the other. His natural leadership ability inspires people at all levels, both inside and outside of the department.