The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Scott Thomson is to receive the award Friday from the Police Executive Research Forum, a law enforcement think-tank in Washington.
After 163 officers were laid off in January, Thomson rearranged its staff. Some detectives and supervisors have been moved to patrols. And technology has become more important in crime-fighting.
Some smaller crimes aren't getting an in-person response.
A study of crime statistics shows less violent crime overall since the layoffs, but more shootings.
The city rehired 55 officers this month and plans to use a grant to bring back 10 more.
