U.S. Department of Justice

   Washington, D.C. 20530

April 24, 2000

MEMORANDUM FOR HEADS OF DEPARTMENT COMPONENTS

FROM:        Stephen R. Colgate
                      Assistant Attorney General
                             for Administration

SUBJECT:     Attorney General’s Awards for Employees

As you know, the Justice Management Division (JMD) reviews and processes all requests related to the Attorney General’s Awards. We work closely with the Office of the Attorney General in identifying appropriate mechanisms to recognize the Departmentwide contributions of our employees and others who assist the Department in meeting its law enforcement mission. The bulk of this work is accomplished through the Attorney General’s Annual Awards Program. Through this process, which culminates in the Attorney General’s Annual Awards Ceremony, nominations are developed by components, formally reviewed by a group of Heads of Components, and forwarded to the Attorney General for consideration. This process has served the Department well and provided appropriate recognition of our accomplishments.

Occasionally, JMD will receive a request from a component for an Attorney General’s Award, outside of the Attorney General’s Annual Awards process, in recognition of a special act by an employee or in honor of a retirement or departure. Often, the request is for presentation of the Attorney General’s Medallion or the Attorney General’s Special Commendation Award. In extremely rare and unique circumstances, such a presentation may be appropriate. However, in almost all circumstances, components should utilize the Attorney General’s Annual Awards Program for the appropriate review and consideration of these types of requests. The Attorney General’s Medallion, the Attorney General’s Special Commendation Award, and the Edmund Jennings Randolph Award are initiated and presented at the Attorney General’s discretion. Also, there are limits to the types of recognition appropriate for departing and retiring employees.

As a general rule, components should utilize internal recognition procedures to honor their employees. For those accomplishments which are truly exemplary, an Attorney General’s Awards nomination should be submitted through the annual process. However, if you deem that recognition from the Attorney General is appropriate for an extraordinary special act or would like to honor an employee who is retiring after significant service to the Department, you may draft a letter of commendation for the Attorney General’s consideration. When composing the letter, please conform to the preferred writing style of the Attorney General. The letter should be short using simple but formal language citing the act or accomplishment along with the Attorney General's best wishes. If approved, the letter will be signed by the Attorney General and returned to your component for framing and presentation to the employee. Such requests should be accompanied by an action memorandum explaining the reason for the request and any concurrences, if necessary. These documents should by routed through the Departmental Executive Secretariat. You should allow at least 2 weeks for this process to occur.

Attached you will find a copy of the Attorney General’s Awards "catalogue." It should be used as a reference guide in preparing for the annual nominations process, which generally begins in January or February. Please contact Vince Micone, Chief of Events Management and Community Service, with any questions about the Attorney General’s Awards Program. Mr. Micone may be reached on (202) 305-1756.

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