Verizon Wireless And Memphis Police Department Further Domestic Violence Prevention Effort

MEMPHIS, TN — Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in domestic violence awareness and prevention, will donate $1,000 to the Memphis Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit's new victim-focused initiative.

Memphis Police Department's Deputy Chief Dewey Betts, Inspector Billy Garrett, Lieutenant Joseph Scott and Lieutenant Sandra Palmer will accept the check, alongside the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce and business officials on Monday, October 29th at 10:30 AM. The presentation is held in conjunction with a ribbon cutting ceremony of Verizon Wireless' new Cordova store, located at 2323 North Germantown Parkway, Suite 101 (next to Kohl's).

"Verizon Wireless' contribution will help support the Memphis Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit and our new program known as D.A.R.T. (Domestic Assault Response Team), a victim-focused program that provides counseling and resources to stop the cycle of violence within the family unit," comments Deputy Chief Betts, of the Memphis Police Department.

The Memphis Police Department relies on Verizon Wireless' high-speed wireless network and PDA devices everyday to better service the residents in the greater Memphis area. Officers can access necessary information remotely from their laptops and PDA's and develop reports and tickets on the spot, increasing efficiency and accuracy. In 2006, The Memphis Police Department saved $1 million man-hours with the help of Verizon Wireless products and services.

Over 70% of domestic violence cases in Memphis and Shelby County involve a female victim and a male perpetrator. Eighty-six percent of domestic violence victims in Memphis and Shelby County report prior violence perpetrated by the defendant, and 77% of these victims have never received counseling or supportive services. In 2006, the DV Unit reviewed 21,130 cases, which included 3,093 aggravated assaults and 18,037 simple assaults. The DV Unit arrested 3,814 individuals in 2006- 3,230 adults and 584 juveniles.

Verizon Wireless' commitment to fighting domestic violence began in 1995 when the company introduced its HopeLine^® phone recycling program as a way to make a difference in the areas of domestic violence awareness, prevention and victim recovery. HopeLine collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

Verizon Wireless will expand their domestic violence awareness efforts companywide with an internal training program designed to help leaders and supervisors understand the impact of domestic violence in the workplace. Verizon Wireless is the first company to offer this type of training on a national level. The new program, called SafeWork, will include information about how to recognize the signs of domestic violence on the job, and how to respond supportively and refer people to experts who can offer assistance.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 63.7 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 68,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About HopeLine^®
Marking its 12th year in 2007, the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, which are recycled in an environmentally safe way or refurbished and sold. Proceeds from HopeLine benefit domestic violence agencies, often providing victims with essential communication tools — wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

Memphis Police Department Domestic Violence Unit
The Memphis Police Department Domestic Violence Unit is responsible for investigating incidents involving domestic violence. The DV Unit works closely with the Citizens Dispute Office and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office regarding Domestic Violence warrants and protective orders. For more information, please visit www.memphispolice.org.

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