UAlbany Police Department Receives Grant for Mobile Video Systems

Contact: Heidi Weber (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 23, 2003) -- The University at Albany's Police Department (UPD) has received an $8,000 grant for two mobile video systems which will assist police in collecting evidence and prosecuting individuals who violate the law, from the Shawna Meadows Foundation.

The Shawna Meadows Foundation promotes highway safety and targets drug and alcohol violations. Richard Meadows created the Shawn Meadows Foundation after a drunk driver crossed the centerline of a highway, striking a vehicle and killing his eldest daughter, Shawna, and his mother-in-law, Alleta Priest, on November 26, 1994. He has since worked to stop alcohol related traffic deaths and injuries in his home state of Illinois and has been politically active in several states.

UPD Chief Frank Wiley said, "The mobile video systems will greatly enhance UPD's ability to provide safe and secure learning and working environments for the UAlbany campuses and community. We are most grateful to Mr. Meadows and the Shawna Meadows Foundation for their generous support."

The Decatur mobile video systems, which include a ceiling mounted console with an integrated tape deck and video screen with playback capability, have been installed in two marked patrol vehicles. A remote microphone is also included for officer use.

Established in 1844 and designated a center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages 17,000 diverse students in eight degree-granting schools and colleges. The University is engaged in a $500 million fundraising campaign, the most ambitious in its history, with the goal of placing it among the nation's top 30 public research universities by the end of the decade. For more information about this nationally ranked University, visit www.albany.edu