The Security Managers Information Network of Ohio (SMINO) and the Columbus Division of Police were awarded the national Public/Private Partnership Award by the National Homeland Security Association last May in Philadelphia. It is the first time that a public/private partnership in Ohio has received an award at the National Homeland Security Association conference.

The downtown partnership connects private security professionals with police officers through a security website and an 800MHZ radio network, allowing them to share vital information to ensure that no crime goes unnoticed. The partnership also conducts ongoing preparedness training, which provides a national model for best practices in downtown security.

Capital Crossroads and Discovery District Special Improvement Districts maintain the security website and the 800MHZ radio system for SMINO and Deputy Director of Operations for Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs Lisa Defendiefer coordinates the group's meetings and trainings. The collaboration of these various entities benefits  the entirety of downtown, helping to prevent and solve crimes.

Defendiefer and CCSID Marketing Director Melissa Fast journeyed to the City of Brotherly Love to accept the award at the National Homeland Security Conference. The conference is attended by Homeland Security and emergency management professionals from the nation's largest metropolitan areas. The SID is honored to have its work with SMINO, the Columbus Division of Police and downtown security managers recognized in this manner.