What's New

2009 Archive

September 2009
New Publication
Read BJA's new Fact Sheet: Back on Track: A Problem-Solving Reentry Court.

New Publication
The Council of State Governments Justice Center has released Mental Health Courts: A Guide to Research-Informed Policy and Practice.

August 2009
New Publication
BJA and the Police Executive Research Forum have released The BJA/PERF Body Armor National Survey: Protecting the Nation's Law Enforcement Officers.

New Publication
With support from BJA, the Police Executive Research Forum has released Communication and Public Health Emergencies: A Guide for Law Enforcement.

New Publication
With support from BJA, the American Probation and Parole Association has released Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Planning: Guidelines for Community Corrections.

Recovery Act Webinar
 DOJ Recovery Act Guidance Webinar to be held September 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. e.t. >> More

National Gang Center
On October 1, 2009, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's National Youth Gang Centerwill merge with BJA's National Gang Center. >>> More

New Publication
The Police Executive Research Forum, National Sheriffs' Association, and BJA have released Conducted Energy Devices: Use in a Custodial Setting.

Upcoming Webinar
On August 25, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America are co-sponsoring a webinar titled "Parents: You Matter," which will provide parents and caring adults with tools and information about why kids use drugs and alcohol and how parents can protect their children. Register

July 2009
New Publication: Avoiding Failures of Implementation
The Center for Court Innovation and BJA have released Avoiding Failures of Implementation: Lessons from Process Evaluationswhich examines failures that occur during the implementation of new initiatives.

June 2009
Civil Gang Injunctions
With support from BJA, the National District Attorneys Association has released Civil Gang Injunctions: A Guide for Prosecutors. This monograph describes the innovative use of gang injunctions, pioneered by the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, to reduce the spread of gang-related criminal activity.

Project Safe Neighborhoods Evaluation
National Institute of Justice-funded evaluation of Project Safe Neighborhoods found that violent crime declined more in cities that used the program than in cities that did not. Case studies of nine cities also showed a decline in gun violence.
>> MORE INFORMATION

In Harm's Way
With support from BJA, the Florida Regional Community Policing Institute at St. Petersburg College has launched In Harm's Way: Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention, a web site which provides an online toolkit, training information, and other resources.
>> MORE INFORMATION

National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy
The Office of National Drug Control Policy has released the 2009 National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy in response to the changing situation on the southwest border. An update of the 2007 strategy, the strategy expands its original focus of stemming the inbound flow of illegal drugs from Mexico and addresses the role that the outbound flow of illegal cash and weapons plays in sustaining the cartels.

Guide on Law Enforcement Responses to People with Mental Illnesses
The Council of State Governments Justice Center has released The Law Enforcement Response to People with Mental Illnesses: A Guide to Research-Informed Policy and Practice. The guide examines studies on law enforcement interactions with people with mental illnesses and translates the findings to help policymakers and practitioners develop safe and effective interventions.

May 2009
Information on Public Health Emergencies
BJA recognizes that public health emergencies, whether an epidemic or pandemic influenza, biological terrorist attack, or natural disaster with public health implications can threaten America's justice system and place the rule of law at risk. BJA has undertaken a broad-scope initiative to identify the critical planning and response objectives for local justice systems and to identify lessons learned and promising approaches in preparing the justice system for such emergencies. The goal of BJA's initiative is to ensure that the rule of law is upheld during any public health crisis, whether natural or manmade. This initiative's design parallels the major components of the justice system: law enforcement, courts, corrections, and communities.

Check out BJA's page featuring resources on pandemic preparedness:
Preparing the Justice System for a Pandemic Influenza: Resources: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pandemic/resources.html (Last updated: May 6, 2009)
Preparing the Justice System for a Pandemic Influenza and Other Public Health Emergencies: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pandemic/pandemic_main.html

Additional links:
www.pandemicflu.gov/
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Webinar
The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC), is hosting a webinar, "Foster Parents and DEC," on Wednesday, May 20, at 1:30 p.m. EST. This presentation will be conducted by Tammy Dehesa, founder of Making a Difference, who will share her own experience as a foster parent and talk about the practical things you can do to help a drug, alcohol, and/or trauma exposed child. For more information and to register, visit the NADEC web site.

SAVIN Evaluation Solicitation
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ)is seeking applications for funding to evaluate BJA's Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) Program. Funding through this solicitation is intended to support a national evaluation including state-level analyses of the SAVIN Program leading to a promising practices toolkit to aid the continued development, implementation, and enhancement of comprehensive victim notification programs within individual states and territories. Applications are due July 20, 2009. For more information, go to NIJ's web site: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/funding/current.htm.

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) Webinar Series:
The Council of State Governments Justice Center is hosting a webinar, "Improving the Mental Health Court Response to Crime Victims" on May 19th at 2:00 p.m. EST. The presentation will be conducted by Carol Dorris, National Center for Victims of Crime; Tim Murray, Pretrial Justice Institute; and Hope Glassberg, Council of State Governments Justice Center. This webinar will explore how the nontraditional operations of mental health courts contribute to limited victims' rights policies and will recommend practical solutions for improving them. Visit the Justice Center web site to register.

NACo Webinar
The National Association of Counties (NACo) will be holding a free webinar on Thursday, May 14th from 2:00-3:15 p.m. EST, titled "Addressing Methamphetamine in our Nation's Counties." This webinar will explore the unique ways in which methamphetamine affects counties, including social and economic costs. Attendees will receive additional information regarding national and local meth prevention programs. Speakers will include an author from the latest RAND study on the cost of meth to the United States in 2005 (RAND meth study) and a model county meth prevention program. To register for the webinar, please go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/425739578. For questions, please Mary-Kathleen Guerra at kguerra@naco.org or 202-942-4279.

"Operational Tune-Up" Training
The National Drug Court Institute (NDCI) is pleased to announce its "Operational Tune-Up" training series. This training utilizes evidence-based treatment practices as practitioners will learn the newest effective science-based methods for modifying drug court programs. For more information on this series, please contact Kelly Curtis at www.nadcp.org or read the brochure.

April 2009
FRONTLINE Film on Reentry
On April 28, 2009, the PBS series FRONTLINE will broadcast a film called "The Released," which explores what happens to mentally ill offenders once they are released from prison. A video clip is available at: www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/released/.

National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Webinar
The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC), is hosting a webinar, "Psychotropic Medications in Pregnancy and the Effect on the Fetus and Child," on Wednesday, April 29, at 1:30 p.m. EST. This presentation will be conducted by Dr. Jennifer Lowry, who will discuss the antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs that may be used in pregnant woman and what is known about the effects that they may have on the developing fetus. For more information and to register, visit the NADEC web site.

Application Submissions via the Grants Management System
For those applying for the FY 2009 Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative and the FY 2009 Second Chance Act National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center, both due April 20, please be advised you may now submit your application via the OJP Grants Management System (GMS).

March 2009
Problem-Solving Courts
To guide governments as they think about how to coordinate problem-solving courts on a statewide basis, BJA and the Center for Court Innovation brought together 18 policymakers, researchers, and practitioners for a roundtable conversation. Among other topics, participants identified the advantages and pitfalls of statewide coordination and discussed their states' strategies. The report, A New Way of Doing Business: A Conversation about the Statewide Coordination of Problem-Solving Courts, summarizes the discussion.

Community Court Mentor Network
BJA, in collaboration with the Center for Court Innovation (CCI), has tapped community courts in Dallas, Hartford, and Seattle to serve as mentors for jurisdictions that want to do a better job combating neighborhood crime and increasing trust in the justice system. The three courts will work with CCI to provide guidance in developing strategies that combine punishment (such as mandatory participation in community restitution projects) with help (such as links to drug treatment and job training). For more information, visit CCI's Regional Network of Mentor Community Courts page.

Recovery Act Solicitations
BJA has released the following solicitations:

National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Webinar
The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC), is hosting a webinar, "Evidence-based Parenting and Family Interventions Effective for Child Abuse Prevention in Drug-Endangered Children," on Wednesday, April 8th at 1:30 pm EST. This presentation will be conducted by Dr. Karol L. Kumpfer who will discuss the importance of selecting evidence-based parenting interventions based on tested models and the CDC core components and testing them for child abuse prevention. For more information and to register, visit the NADEC web site.

Application Submissions via the Grants Management System
For those applying for the FY 2009 Adult Drug Court Training and Technical Assistance Initiative, due March 31, please be advised you may now submit your application via the OJP Grants Management System (GMS).

If you already submitted your application via grants.gov and received a confirmation, you do not need to resubmit your application via GMS. If you have having difficulties submitting your application via grants.gov due to system slowness, please submit your application via GMS, which can be accessed at https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov/.

Application Submissions via the Grants Management System
For those applying for the FY 2009 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration, FY 2009 Tribal Correctional Facilities, FY 2009 Tribal Correctional Training and Technical Assistance, and FY 2009 Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse, all due March 12, please be advised you may now submit your application via the OJP Grants Management System (GMS).

National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC) Webinar
One of BJA's partners, the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC), is hosting a webinar, "Interim Group: a Model for Responding to Waitlists," on Wednesday, March 11, at 1:30 p.m. e.t., conducted by Dr. Kelly Lundberg. This webinar will discuss the inception of an innovative program in Salt Lake City to make services available to any individual who is in need of county-funded substance abuse treatment. For more information and to register, visit the NADEC web site.

Community Safety Through Successful Offender Reentry Training
BJA, in partnership with the Center for Effective Public Policy (CEPP), announces a training opportunity for state-level corrections and community supervision agencies interested in enhancing their abilities to encourage successful offender reentry from prison to the community. A 3-day curriculum developed under the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) will be delivered to three successful applicants during calendar year 2009. All costs of tailoring the curriculum and delivering the training to up to 250 participants (except for agency staff's travel and per diem) will be supported by this initiative. CEPP, who developed the curriculum for BJA, will work with selected applicants to tailor and deliver the training onsite in three states. Applications are due March 16, 2009. To download a copy of the full application kit, visit www.cepp.com/whatsnew.htm.

February 2009
FY 2009 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Applicant Webinars Now Available Online
BJA is pleased to announce that both Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program applicant webinars are now available online. The webinars, held February 4th and February 26th, covered an overview of the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program and provided practical information about the current FY 2009 solicitation for potential applicants. The webinars featured Q&A sessions with BJA presenters. Click here for a link to the February 4th presentation, including audio. Click here for a link to the February 26th presentation, including audio.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)
On February 17, 2009, the President signed into law H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The bill includes more than $2.76 billion for state and local law enforcement and for other criminal justice activities that prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system. The Office of Justice Programs, which provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims, has been designated as the lead agency in administering this funding.

Learn more about OJP's implementation of the Recovery Act and funding for which you or your organization may be eligible to apply.

Second Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Applicant Webinar February 26th from 2-3 p.m. e.t.
BJA is pleased to announce the second webinar in the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Webinar Series: FY 2009 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Applicant Webinar. This webinar is being offered a second time to give those who missed it earlier this month an opportunity to participate. The webinar will provide an overview of the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program and the current FY 2009 solicitation for potential grant applicants. BJA staff will highlight program eligibility, the required application materials, and other important information and resources. For more information and to register, please follow the link below: http://consensusproject.org/updates/features/febweb2

The FY 2009 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) Applicant Webinar, hosted by BJA on February 4, is now available online. The webinar provided potential applicants with an overview of the JMHCP grant program and practical information about the current FY 2009 solicitation as well as a Q&A portion with BJA staff. Click here for a link to the presentation, including audio.

National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC) Webinar
One of BJA's partners, the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC), is hosting a webinar, "Nature vs. Nurture: The Origins of Addiction," on Wednesday, February 25, at 1:30 p.m. e.t., conducted by Dr. Glen Hanson, Senior Advisor to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nicolas Taylor, Director, Taylor Behavioral Health, and Dr. Jennifer Lowry, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. For more information and to register, visit the NADEC web site.

Application Submissions via the Grants Management System
For those applying for the FY 2009 Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), the FY 2009 Tribal Courts Assistance Program (TCAP), and FY 2009 National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) Participation Program, all due Feb 12, please be advised you may now submit your application via the OJP Grants Management System (GMS). If you already submitted your application via grants.gov and received a confirmation, you do not need to resubmit your application via GMS. If you have having difficulties submitting your application via grants.gov due to system slowness, please submit your application via the GMS. GMS can be accessed at https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov/.

SAMHSA 2009 Science and Service Awards Program
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced the 2009 Science and Service Awards Program, a national program that recognizes community-based organizations and coalitions that have shown exemplary implementation of evidence-based mental health and substance abuse interventions. Awards will be made in each of the five categories: substance abuse prevention, treatment of substance abuse and recovery support services, mental health promotion, treatment of mental illness and recovery support services, and co-occurring disorders. To be eligible for an award, an organization must have successfully implemented a recognized evidence-based intervention. Complete information is available on the SAMHSA web site at www.samhsa.gov/scienceandservice and then on "Application Materials for 2009 Awards." Applications must be e-mailed by February 27, 2009.

January 2009
2009 Outstanding Achievement in Volunteer Programs Award
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) are sponsoring an annual award to recognize law enforcement agencies that have developed and implemented creative and effective law enforcement volunteer programs. The award recognizes agencies that most exemplify the goals, concepts, and spirit of volunteerism in action. Applications are due May 15, 2009. For more information, go to www.policevolunteers.org.

2009 IACP/LogIn Excellence in Victim Services Award
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Victim Services Committee and LogIn, Inc. created an award to honor law enforcement agencies that have made exemplary efforts in providing innovative service to victims of crime. The Excellence in Victim Services Award recognizes agencies that utilize best practices such as effective partnerships, training methods, and performance monitoring tools to place victims at the center of their public safety efforts and response to crime. For more information about the award or to apply for nomination, go to the IACP web site. All nominations must be submitted and postmarked no later than April 10, 2009.

Important Notice Regarding Grants.gov
Notifications regarding known technical problems with Grants.gov are posted on the OJP funding web page: www.ojp.gov/funding/solicitations.htm.

NADEC Webinar
One of BJA's partners, the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC), is hosting a webinar, "Identifying DEC Through Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services Perspectives," on Wednesday, January 28, at 1:30 p.m. e.t., conducted by Betsy Dunn of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, Child Protective Services and Mitch Brown, Former Chief of Police, City of Oroville, CA. For more information and to register, visit the NADEC web site.

Methamphetamine Prevention Forum
With support from BJA, the National Association of Counties (NACo), in conjunction with the Association or Arkansas Counties and the Arkansas Sheriffs' Association, is sponsoring a Methamphetamine Prevention Forum in Pulaski County (Little Rock), Arkansas on January 23, 2009, encourages participation from states in the Southeast and Midwest regions. For more information and registration information, please visit www.naco.org/methforum.

Neighborhood Watch Awards of Excellence
The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), in partnership with BJA, is pleased to announce that they are accepting nominations for the 6th Annual National Neighborhood Watch Awards of Excellence to be presented during the General Section of the 2009 National Sheriffs' Association Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL. All law enforcement agencies, Neighborhood Watch groups, organizations, and programs that have made an exceptional contribution to the Neighborhood Watch program in their communities are encouraged to submit nominations to NSA by March 31, 2009. For complete information on eligibility, criteria, and nomination forms, please visit www.usaonwatch.org/AboutUs/AwardsProgram.php.

Pandemic Influenza
BJA has developed an online information resource on Preparing the Justice System for a Pandemic Influenza and Other Public Health Emergencies. Resources recently added include two guideline documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Emergency Medical Services. Also visit www.pandemicflu.gov.

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