DENVER, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL) and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) received the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Booz Allen Hamilton Leadership in the Prevention of Terrorism Award on Oct. 9 at the IACP Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla. This award is given to agencies that have demonstrated overall success in averting, stopping or countering terrorist activity. Two awards are given annually: one in the U.S. and one internationally.

The award was presented to the CELL and MPD for their implementation of the CELL’s Community Awareness Program (CAP), a critical preparedness and prevention training. Through “CAP: Champions for Safety,” the CELL and MPD educated more than 16,000 volunteers, staff and vendors on how to recognize and report suspicious activity during the 10 days of festivities in advance of the Super Bowl.

“Because of today’s threat landscape and the size and complexity of Super Bowl LII, we needed to achieve a powerful force multiplier effect,” said Commander Scott Gerlicher, of the MPD. “As a result of implementing the CAP, we were able to harden security through a network of empowered staff, vendors and volunteers.”

“This program was unique in that it demonstrated leadership in establishing a community-based awareness campaign,” said Melanie Pearlman, executive director of the CELL. “This innovative approach helped aid deterrence and demonstrated cooperation between law enforcement agencies and civilian organizations that helped lead to safe and secure Super Bowl festivities. We could not be prouder to partner with MPD and receive this award for this ground-breaking program.”

About the CELL
The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution, is dedicated to the prevention of terrorism through education, empowerment and engagement. Its one-of-a-kind exhibit, renowned speaker series and training initiatives provide a comprehensive look at the threat of terrorism and how individuals can play a role in enhancing public safety. Learn more at thecell.org.

CONTACT: Melanie Avner, mavner@mizelinstitute.org, (720) 785-7303

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SOURCE Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL)