The Kansas University Public Safety Office has won an award from a law-enforcement magazine for the revamped design on its patrol cars.

The department took third place in the “federal or state agency” category in Law and Order magazine’s 2005 vehicle-design contest. The design, which went on KU’s squad cars about three years ago, features a small version of the Jayhawk, lower-case letters and stripes that are smaller than the ones used in the past.

• KU Police Department awarded for new logo

“We decided we wanted to simplify it a little,” said Chief Ralph Oliver, above, who came up with the design.

The magazine said KU’s cars had a “good, clean look.”

At a ceremony Thursday, Oliver donated the department’s prize – a $50 check – to the Douglas County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The check was earmarked for local disaster-relief efforts.

“It’s able to stay here in the community,” said Wendy Leedy, a Red Cross representative.

Richard Gwin/Journal World-Photo Ralph Oliver, Director of Public Safety, at KU talks about the recent award the University Police Department won for the logo on the side of the cars as Oliver was the one who came up with the design. The prize money from the award was given to the Red Cross.