Two members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office are among the law enforcement officers from around the state being recognized by Attorney General Matt Platkin for his 2025 Excellence in Policing Awards.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Renee White of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received the Pablo Santiago Resiliency Award, which honors a law enforcement officer who developed an innovative program or initiative to improve officer safety and well-being.

In a statement, Attorney General Platkin noted that White “goes above and beyond for law enforcement officers and makes herself available at all hours, whether in the middle of the night or the middle of the day, and has been instrumental at the County and State levels in developing the curriculum and implementing the Law Enforcement Resiliency Program.”

“Over the past two years, she has trained every police officer in Ocean County, as well as many others throughout the State. She also travels to give presentations about resiliency and officer wellness. In addition, she also supervises the Special Offenders Unit and Veterans and Mental Health Diversion Programs,” the statement added.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received the Outstanding Community Partnership Award, which honors a County Prosecutor’s Office or police department that has implemented or strengthened a community partnership or collaboration with community stakeholders to advance public safety.

To help teenagers cope with the inundation of social media and its related safety, cyberbullying, and harassment issues, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office began a Challenge Day Initiative with all high schools in the county, which was designed to unite students and break down barriers between students and adults, making students feel comfortable reaching out for help.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo was appointed as project lead to work with a team of staff members to schedule and implement Challenge Day in every high school throughout the county. The program was well-received, and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Angelo’s commitment ensured that every school had a Challenge Day.

These annual awards recognize the exceptional service and dedication exhibited by law enforcement agencies, officers, and professionals across New Jersey and was established in 2019 to promote and strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Each year the awards ceremony coincides with National Police Week, which President John F. Kennedy designated as a time for the nation to express gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.