Bloomington Police Officer Desmond Daniels is the Optimist Club’s 2023 Officer of the Year and the recipient of the “Respect for Law” Award. He was honored by the Bloomington Optimist Club at its May 11 recognition dinner. Officers nominated for this award are consistently exemplary officers who have upheld the core value of BPD, demonstrating respect through compassionate and honest service.
Officer Daniels was also recognized as a Bloomington Pioneer and Changemaker this year. This series recognizes Black leaders in the community making a difference. Watch his video feature at blm.mn/desmond.
Officer Desmond has been a police officer for 16 years. He’s been with the City since 2019. He is a co-leader of the BPD Racial Equity Action Team, which organized a community gathering for police officers and residents of a local apartment complex that have had regular calls for service, among other initiatives.
“I believe being a police officer is one of the best professions in the world. Although it is very challenging, the risk is worth the reward,” Desmond said. “One of my favorite things about my job is connecting with the community. I feel it is important for police and community members to see each other outside of the times when 911 is called.”
“During the past year, Officer Daniels has gone above and beyond excellent work at his primary assignment at Mall of America and he has been very active in community engagement,” Police Chief Booker Hodges said.
