Springfield Police Department Crime Analyst Reina Diaz received the Twyla D. Alvarez Memorial scholarship award during the 22nd Annual Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts’ Training Conference this month.
A lifelong Springfield resident and former intern in Mayor Domenic J. Sarno’s office, Diaz has been an integral part of the Real-Time Crime Center’s launch and expansion.
“Much like Twyla Alvarez, I am always on the quest for better and more effective ways to carry out my duties as a civilian worker who is passionate about the safety and security of her hometown,” said Diaz.
Diaz was one of four scholarship recipients at the Training Conference held last week in Hyannis.
“Reina is a great part of our team and well-deserving of this award. The knowledge she gained at this conference will help support our Officers’ and Detectives’ daily efforts and long-term investigations,” said Acting Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “Not surprised, Reina did a great job in my office and I wish her much continued success.”
Crime Analysts Cristina Fernandez and Scott Roberts also presented during the conference, which included speakers and presenters from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and FBI to name a few.
The conference was attended by nearly 100 crime analysts from Florida and the Austrian National Police. Springfield crime analysts led two presentations on “Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Investigative Support” and “Inside the Springfield Police Department’s Real-Time Analysis Center.”
The crime analysts have had numerous success stories utilizing social media, including quickly and effectively identifying individuals responsible for a string of hoax school shooting threats.
The Real-Time Analysis Center officially launched in 2018 and is tied into more than 300 cameras across the city including at Union Station. In the coming weeks, the Springfield Police Department will announce a public-private partnership with PRIDE stores, who will be tying their cameras into the Real-Time Analysis Center.
