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News Release

Last modified: Thursday, July 7, 2011

Anti-terrorism documentary filmed at IUPUI wins regional Emmy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS -- A documentary about a 2009 anti-terrorism exercise, hosted by the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, has won a regional Emmmy Award in the category of Public/Current/Community Affairs.

The program, "Tough Decisions: Defending the Homeland," was produced by WFYI public television in Indianapolis. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presented the award in regional ceremonies in Cleveland, Ohio in June.

The documentary focuses on IU law and SPEA students playing the roles of government officials and civilians responding to a terrorist attack. Students received information via news reports and "top secret" documents as events unfolded, and the documentary captures their conversations, strategy sessions and mock public statements as they played their roles. Experts weigh in on the students' responses, and why such practice is valuable as students transition into the workplace.

The exercise scenario and story, plus the exercise plan and conduct, were developed by Shawn Boyne, associate professor in the law school; James R. White, clinical lecturer on Public Safety Management in SPEA; and William A. Foley Jr., lecturer in National Security, Homeland Security and Public Safety at SPEA. The documentary was made by Todd Gould and Aric Hartvig, producers for WFYI, who accepted the Emmy.

"The producers did an excellent job of capturing the learning that goes on during such simulations, when students are placed in a stressful situation," said Foley. "This documentary will be a valuable teaching tool for future students."

For more information about the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI, visit https://www.spea.iupui.edu. For more information about the Indiana University School of Law--Indianapolis, see https://indylaw.indiana.edu/.

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