East Orange, NJ, July 21, 2023: East Orange Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate and Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Award from the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy and the Humanitarian Focus Foundation during a special dinner reception held at the United Nation’s Headquarters in New York City last evening.
This prestigious event celebrates and amplifies the efforts of exceptional leaders who dedicate their lives to improving society and advocating for the United Nations agenda of promoting harmony, peace, and sustainable development. Bindi is one of 40 individuals from around the world who received recognition for their life’s work.
The City of East Orange’s first female police chief and a 32-year veteran of the force, Bindi attended the event joined by Mayor Ted R. Green, First Lady June Green and a host of colleagues, family and friends, including members of the State of New Jersey Chiefs Association and the Essex County Chiefs Association, the latter of which she is currently board president.
“We sincerely appreciate your bravery and the genuine love and care you demonstrate toward the community. Your selfless efforts have had a significant impact, making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Your dedication to upholding human rights and your invaluable humanitarian work has not gone unnoticed,” said Dr. Andrise Bass, Global Peace Ambassador and Founder of the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy. “Individuals like you exemplify the true spirit of service and inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts serve as an inspiration to us all.”
“Under Chief Bindi’s leadership, the City of East Orange continues to remain one of the safest cities of our size and demographic in the nation. She leads by example and her commitment to the people of East Orange is second to none,” said Mayor Green. “Chief Bindi has roots in our city and her hands-on, community-oriented approach to policing is a hallmark of her tenure. She is an accessible and compassionate leader who embodies the true spirit of humanity. Congratulations to Chief Bindi on this well-deserved honor.”
“We support Chief Bindi in all of her endeavors and congratulate her on receiving an honorary doctorate and her continuing efforts to ensure that every resident — regardless of their race, class or gender —has equal representation under the law. Chief Bindi has built a career elevating the unique needs of East Orange and represents the absolute best of our community,” said Amy Lewis, First Ward Councilwoman and Public Safety Chairwoman.
“The East Orange Police Department is honored to have Chief Phyllis Bindi receive such a deserving award. I have worked with Chief Bindi for more than 20 years, and during that time, she has always been of high character. She continues to be a role model for all women in law enforcement” said Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd. “Her dedication to the citizens of East Orange is unmatched, and we will continue to be grateful for her leadership in reducing crime year after year.”
“I am humbled and honored to be amongst such a powerhouse array of honorees, exceptional visionaries, leaders and public servants,” said Bindi. “My hope is that our young future leaders will embrace our determination and guidance to become the next generation of servant leaders who strive to create positive change, promote education and empower communities.”
About Chief Phyllis Bindi
Chief Phyllis L. Bindi, a native of East Orange, New Jersey, is a beacon of leadership, dedication, and transformation in law enforcement. As the leader of the city’s police force, she commands the unwavering loyalty and commitment of nearly 200 sworn officers, embodying a powerful blend of expertise, tenacity, and resolve that propels her department to exemplary heights.
Joining the East Orange Police Department in 1991, Chief Bindi embarked on a law enforcement journey characterized by diversity, depth, and distinction. Over the years, she has served in a multitude of roles within various units of the department. This broad experience has imbued her with a profound understanding of the multifaceted dynamics of law enforcement and enriched her perspective on policing and community safety.
Chief Bindi’s tenure is marked by a significant shift in the department’s approach to policing. Embracing proactive strategies over reactive ones, she has been the driving force behind a transformative change in the department’s culture. Her forward-thinking leadership has culminated in a substantial decrease in crime, with a remarkable reduction of more than 75% in the last 15 years. Under her guidance, East Orange has transformed into a safer place for residents and businesses to thrive.
Her unwavering dedication to community, safety, and justice has been instrumental in making East Orange a city where law and order are upheld with integrity and respect. Her innovative strategies, compassionate leadership style, and dedicated service have impacted the city and the department she serves.
Her leadership has not gone unnoticed, with the city recognizing her significant contributions to creating a safer and more secure environment. A testament to her resilience and determination, Chief Phyllis L. Bindi inspires all in law enforcement, upholding the highest standards of duty, honor, and service.
Chief Bindi has been the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions for bravery, command, leadership and operational excellence from various local and state associations. She proudly serves as Board President of the Essex County Chiefs of Police Association and is graduate of Farleigh Dickinson University, where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees summa cum laude.