AUBURN HILLS CHIEF OF POLICE RECEIVES CRIME FIGHTER AWARD 

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Michigan honors Auburn Hills Chief of Police at summer training conference

Media contact: Kyle Scislowicz, Media Communications Specialist, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6726; kscislowicz@auburnhills.org 

Auburn Hills, MI—June 27, 2016—The City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, is pleased to announce Chief of Police Doreen E. Olko of the Auburn Hills Police Department is the recipient of the Crime Fighter Award from Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Michigan; a statewide crime prevention non-profit organization led by more than 300 of Michigan’s best-known police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and crime survivors – these law enforcement leaders know that the most powerful weapons in our arsenal to fight crime are the proven programs that help kids get the right start in life – programs like high-quality after-school programs, early childhood school readiness, abuse, and neglect prevention and getting troubled kids back on track. The plaque was awarded at ceremonies held at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Mich. and presented for outstanding support and leadership on behalf of crime prevention.

Criteria for nomination of the award includes education of crime prevention through early childhood programs, health care, and higher learning standards that help to ensure kids are ready for 21st-century opportunities. 

“Chief Olko has served the city of Auburn Hills for the past 20 years and has been actively involved in all aspects of our community,” said Tom Tanghe, City Manager of Auburn Hills. “We are pleased to see this recognition and are grateful for her stewardship and look forward to Chief Olko continuing to serve the Auburn Hills community.”

Chief Olko joined the Auburn Hills police force in 1994 as Deputy Police Chief and was appointed Chief of Police in 1996.She is the longest serving woman police chief in the state of Michigan. Chief Olko’s law enforcement career began in 1973 at the Ingham County Sheriff Department. In 1977, she joined the Meridian Township Police Department, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain, Staff Services Division before leaving to come to Auburn Hills.

In addition to her service on various forces, Chief Olko is also active with Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, which she joined in 1992 prior to being appointed as chief. She was appointed by Governors Granholm and Snyder to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards representing the police chiefs and served as chair from 2011-2013.  She continues to serve as a commission member.

Beyond her role at Auburn Hills, Chief Olko is active in civic and professional organizations. She is a member of the Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club and served as president from 2002-2003; is past president of the Michigan State University Criminal Justice Alumni Association; past president of the Oakland County Chiefs of Police Association (1998-1999); past president of the Southeastern Chiefs of Police Association (2003); lifetime member of the Central Michigan Crime Prevention Association; and a committee chair and co-chair for the Oakland County Chiefs of Police on county-wide projects.

Chief Olko holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in liberal studies and technology from Eastern Michigan University and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.

About Auburn Hills
The City of Auburn Hills is a distinguished leader in southeast Michigan. Home to approximately 23,000 residents, as well as a workday population of approximately 100,000, Auburn Hills continues to be a thriving global business address. It is home to over 70 international corporations and hosts the World and North American headquarters for numerous outstanding businesses such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Continental Automotive Systems, Faurecia, and BorgWarner. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, the award-winning Palace of Auburn Hills entertainment complex and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, providing a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors. Learn more at www.auburnhills.org.  

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