Foothill Officer Honored by Legislators
A Los Angeles police officer who has been instrumental in carrying out community policing in the Valley’s Foothill Division was named Thursday as “Woman of the Year” by the Woman Legislators Caucus.
Senior Lead Officer Stephany Payne is one of 79 recipients statewide, state officials said.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Payne, 35, who was nominated for the honor by 39th District Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Panorama City).
Payne and other officers of the city’s community policing unit are widely credited for helping prevent unrest in the northeast Valley during last year’s Los Angeles riots.
Under community policing, officers work closely with residents and community leaders to head off crime.
Although Payne spends most of her time speaking with residents at meetings such as Neighborhood Watch, she also performs regular police work.
“I love people. I just do my work. The award just makes that more wonderful,” said Payne, who is a former schoolteacher.
She will pick up her award in Sacramento during a March 15 ceremony.
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