Between the dates of February 1st and April 1st of 2011, Sarah Williams fulfilled a role at the Lincoln Police Department as a volunteer in the Family Crimes Unit.

A senior at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Sarah came to the Lincoln Police Department as a volunteer interested in making a difference in people's lives. Not motivated by anything other than wanting to help others, Sarah embraced the position available to her by assisting the Domestic Violence Coordinator within the Family Crimes Unit. During those three months, Sarah volunteered over 120 hours, reviewing cases, listening to countless hours of jail calls, keeping track of required statistics and significantly aiding in two felony criminal investigations. Because Sarah had such a grasp on wanting to do the right thing for victims and their families, it was not hard teaching Sarah the dynamics of domestic violence and the elements of related criminal offenses.

Sarah was initially given a test after allowing her time to study and complete some self-initiated research. Within a short period of time, Sarah aced the test, proving her willingness to come to work, learn and give to the community. By the end of Sarah's tour assisting in the Family Crimes Unit, she reviewed 983 intimate partner violence related investigations, identified and listened to countless hours of jail phone calls. Sarah proactively identified two felony tempering with a victim violations after hearing threatening phone calls from a suspect in jail to their very-recently victimized intimate partner.

Sarah's supervisor during this time period indicates that he wished to see Sarah recognized for her dedication to the community and the Lincoln Police Department during her brief but invaluable tenure as the Lincoln Police Department Family Crimes intern. The Awards Committee unanimously agreed and is proud to name Sarah Williams as the 2012 LPD Volunteer of the Year.