Awarded to: AOCP Language Access Team, Olivia Brockman of Sarpy County, Adrian Hinojosa of Douglas County, and Kari Corkle of Lancaster County

The Language Access Team maintained a consistently high quality of service as they anticipated needs, modeled positive interactions, and demonstrated a willingness to see all requests through no matter how challenging. Their commitment to customer service, evidenced by their dedication to effective communication, has had a profound impact on the administration of justice. The team committed to partnering with interpreters in a wide array of languages to serve residents from increasingly diverse linguistic backgrounds. In 2023 alone their services expanded from 11 to 89 languages and from 70 interpreters to 211, despite a shortage of contract interpreters in June 2023. They worked cohesively by sharing knowledge and expertise and collaborated seamlessly with court and probation colleagues to foster a culture of cooperation and unity. Their effort ensured accessibility for individuals who are Limited English Proficient, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing to guarantee that everyone can participate fully in legal proceedings. They pursued excellence by investing in professional development and staying updated on language trends, customer service best practices and emerging technologies. Their commitment to growth is reflected in their consistently improving performance.

The outstanding customer service award recognizes employees who implement creative and effective programs that improve customer assistance, and provide unfaltering, reliable support.