From the Nominator

The University of South Alabama (USA), located in Mobile, Ala., is a four-year institution that includes a medical school and a health system. Enrollment is 14,000 and the university employs approximately 6,000 faculty, physicians, nurses, and support staff. The campus police department serves both the university community and the three hospitals in the system. Our police department is unique in that many officers are graduates of USA, so they have a great deal of pride for the university. The department is accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and the officers are trained in mental health first-aid, crisis intervention and de-escalation. Due to increased tensions across the country after the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, the Chief of Police on campus believed it was crucial to convey a positive message to the campus community returning to campus in the fall after the COVID shutdown, communicating that the USA police force was and is a force for good. The campaign features three officers who are all graduates of USA and, through the magic of Photoshop, they appear to be both student and police officer, bridging the divide between community and authority.

From the Judges

The University of South Alabama’s Police Department Campaign really stirred emotion and was so well put-together. Outstanding results. We loved the search for common ground. They knew from the beginning that their campaign was very focused and their reach could only be within their local community, but it could also serve as a template for others to build off of if so desired. Well done!