FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 3, 2011

             L-R Front:  Dave Bender, Kerri Steck, Renee Watts, Angie Eichelberger, Pamela Smith

             L-R Back:  Dave Lauver, District Attorney Craig Stedman, Commissioner Lehman,

                           Commissioner Martin, Commissioner Stuckey, John Wimer

LANCASTER COUNTY (August 3, 2011) –During the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Annual Conference and Exposition held July 15-19, 2011 in Multnomah County, OR , Lancaster County was awarded a 2011 NACo Achievement Award for www.CrimeFreeLancaster.org, a crime prevention website designed by the Lancaster County Crime Prevention Task Force (CPTF). 

With this award NACo recognizes the CPTF’s achievement in creating an effective and innovative program which contributes to and enhances county government in the United States.   The website, www.CrimeFreeLancaster.org, serves as a clearinghouse of crime prevention programs in Lancaster County which are available to parents, educators, community organizations and professionals in the legal field. 

“It was apparent after the 2008 Lancaster County Crime Summit, that there was a dire need for this type of resource in Lancaster County,” said Commissioner Scott Martin.  “We are grateful to the members of the CPTF who stepped up to the challenge and successfully created this valuable resource that not only benefits parents and children who are looking for help, but also connects educators and community organizations who would like to learn about new programs that have proven effective elsewhere in the County.” 

On August 3, 2011 the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners and District Attorney Craig Stedman recognized this award at a public meeting and thanked members of the Crime Prevention Task Force for their efforts in compiling information for the website and the staff of the Lancaster County Information Technology Department for the design and implantation of the website. 

 “The best way to fight crime is to stop it before it begins,” stated District Attorney Craig Stedman.   “This website will aid in advancing such efforts in Lancaster County communities. All those involved should be proud of this accomplishment.” 

“www.CrimeFreeLancaster.org  is designed so that each viewer, whether you’re a parent, educator or a community leader, will be able to easily navigate to programs most beneficial to them,” reported Commissioner Dennis Stuckey.  “Ease of use was an important factor in the design of the website and I commend the CPTF for the work they did in creating an efficient website.”

“This effort brings together evidence-based programs in our community and highlights them for use by other interested community groups,” said Commissioner Craig Lehman.  “In time we hope this site will lead to new conversations and more collaborative efforts in addressing crime throughout Lancaster County.”