DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 2005--The Denver Police Department announced today that Qwest will help fill the department's number one equipment priority -- digital cameras. To date, the Denver Police Department owns 23 digital cameras used to capture evidence at the scene of a crime -- especially in cases of domestic violence. With the challenge grant from Qwest, the Denver Police Foundation has the opportunity to purchase 70 digital cameras, cases and disks, which will improve its overall domestic violence program.

"Unfortunately, many victims of domestic violence fail to report abuse or later fail to testify in court fearing the loss of their children, or worse, they fear for their lives," said Chief of Police Gerald R. Whitman earlier at a press conference at SafeHouse Denver.
"These cameras capture clear images of injury and at-the-scene emotion suffered by victims, and are an effective source of evidence in prosecuting batterers as well as other violent felons. We are hoping the challenge grant Qwest has offered will encourage others in the community to also donate to the Denver Police Foundation."

Both the City and District Attorney report an increase in both the number of cases filed as well as a high conviction rate when photographs and digital video are used as evidence. More than tripling the number of digital cameras will allow police to respond to crimes quicker with the proper evidence-gathering tools in hand. With the existing 23 cameras, officers had to wait until a digital camera was delivered to the scene of the crime. The Qwest challenge grant will match other community donations up to $20,000.

"At Qwest, we are proud to help the Denver Police Department make our neighborhoods safer," said Ric Padilla, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Qwest. "Qwest is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where our employees live and work, and we could not be happier to help the police assist the victims of domestic and violent crime."

SafeHouse Denver operates the only shelter in Denver that exclusively serves victims of domestic violence. The Denver Police Department and SafeHouse Denver work together to facilitate an interactive, collaborative community response to domestic violence that identifies victims earlier, makes victim services more accessible and builds community awareness and accountability.

About the Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on K-12 education and economic development.

The Qwest Foundation's philosophy is to help build strong communities through investing in people and the places where they live and work. For more information, contact www.quest.com/foundation.

Copyright Business Wire 2005

Qwest Foundation

Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of customers and the communities we serve. It's more than just caring; it's a commitment to making a difference. The Qwest Foundation awards grants that generate high impact and measurable results through community-based programs in the area of pre-K through 12 education. We encourage you to learn more about the Foundation and request funding for your program. Qwest® is a leading provider of voice, video and data services across America and the world. For more than a century, homes and businesses have relied on our dependable dial tone connection. We value the strength and vitality we help bring to the communities where we live, work and play-through tens of thousands of volunteer hours donated by employees and retirees, our foundation contributions and numerous other avenues. In communications and community, our goal is to lead.

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