ALTON - The Alton Police Department announced that Patrolman First Class Shayne Edwards has been selected as the first recipient of the department’s Proactive Criminal Enforcement, or P.A.C.E., Award, recognizing what the department described as “exceptional proactive policing” in Alton.
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The department said the award is reserved for officers who “look beyond the ticket” to identify and apprehend individuals involved in serious felony offenses, including drug trafficking and felony firearm violations.
The Alton Police Department said Edwards began his career “during a challenging time for law enforcement following the 2019 pandemic and periods of civil unrest,” and “remained steadfast in his commitment to proactive policing and targeting high-level offenders.”
The department said that since being assigned to the Patrol Division, Edwards has been “a top performer in self-initiated activity focused on serious drug and firearm offenses.”
In 2025, the department said, Edwards generated “approximately 975 calls for service,” which it said led to felony arrests that included “154 warrant arrests,” “37 unlawful possession of methamphetamine cases, including 4 with intent to deliver,” “43 controlled substance cases, primarily involving fentanyl,” and “6 felony firearm-related cases, including possession of stolen firearms and armed violence.”
One of Edwards’ most notable cases occurred on Feb. 21, 2025, when he conducted a traffic stop on a “known convicted felon.” The department said a passenger fled on foot and the suspect did not comply with commands, and that Edwards “safely secured the suspect,” who was found with “105 capsules of fentanyl and a loaded stolen 9mm handgun.” The department said the case “was later adopted federally by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).”
“PFC Edwards’ dedication to removing violent offenders from our community, along with his relentless work ethic and professionalism, make him highly deserving of this recognition,” the Alton Police Department said.
