Release

UAlbany's Professional Development Program Wins 2005 APEX Grand Award for Problem-Oriented Policing Web Education

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 29, 2005) -- The University at Albany's Professional Development Program (PDP) has been awarded a 2005 APEX Grand Award for publication excellence in the Web & Intranet Sites category for its Center for Problem-Oriented Policing Web site. The website, www.popcenter.org, was a joint effort between the Instructional Technologies Unit (ITU) of PDP and Graeme Newman, Distinguished Teaching Professor of the School of Criminal Justice. The concept of problem-oriented policing is to identify and remove the causes of recurring crime and disorder problems that harm communities.

The APEX (Awards for Publication Excellence) Awards recognize excellence in publications work by editors, publications staff and business and nonprofit communicators. APEX Awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence. The competition features nearly 5,000 entries from an international submission pool, with awards in 11 major categories and 109 subcategories. PDP's award was one of only two awards given in the "Not-for-Profit Web Sites" category.

"This project demonstrates how PDP works collaboratively with academic units within the university to produce outstanding results," said public service professor and director of the Professional Development Program Eugene J. Monaco.

"Professor Newman is making important contributions to solving community problems of crime and disorder through developing problem solving guides for police," said School of Criminal Justice Dean Julie Horney. "Effective communication of strategies for prevention and harm reduction has been greatly enhanced through the impressive website developed in partnership with PDP. We are delighted that this cooperative venture has been recognized with such a prestigious award."

"Superbly researched and written reports clearly convey useful, actionable information in this easily-navigable, well-designed site," the judges said, when bestowing PDP with the award.

The largest continuing education program at the University at Albany, the Professional Development Program delivers education and training that results in improved workforce performance. With headquarters on the downtown campus, and adjunct offices throughout the region, PDP provides professional education and training to individuals within public sector organizations. PDP's professional, technical, and administrative staff of 140 supports the commitment shared by Rockefeller College and the University at Albany to help government work better.

Ranked as the No. 2 program in the nation, the University at Albany's School of Criminal Justice examines the political, economic and cultural patterns that shape definitions of crime and influence policy. Graduates find opportunities in the expanding academic field of criminal justice research and teaching, all the operating agencies of criminal justice, in addition to the many private and non-profit organizations which provide services or make policy recommendations.