2011 Director’s Community Leadership Awards

The Houston Division is pleased to honor Mr. Stephen Gartrell, of Netsential, for his work designing and hosting websites that educate the public about crime and terrorism. Through his work, Mr. Gartrell has encouraged the public to work with law enforcement in an effort to reduce crime in the community.

Mr. Gartrell began his partnership with the Houston FBI after 9/11, when he joined forces with the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to create the Texas Coast Regional Advisory System (TCRAS). TCRAS is a website for those involved in privately owned critical infrastructure to report suspicious activity. TCRAS is also used to send advisories to all members when a relevant threat arises. This innovative, web-based collaboration received top honors at the 2003 National Association of Chiefs of Police Conference.

In 2003, Mr. Gartrell continued his partnership with the FBI and developed a website for the Counterterrorism Intelligence Group (CTIG). This site provided updates on threat information and posted training opportunities for law enforcement. As a result, the Houston CTIG received the 2004 Director’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Law Enforcement Community.

Mr. Gartrell has also developed interactive crime-fighting websites for the FBI Los Angeles JTFF, FBI Columbia Field Intelligence Group, FBI National Academy Associates, and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.