Spotlight on the Bureau of Justice Assistance
May 2008
The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides leadership, services, and funding to America’s communities. Specifically, BJA supports law enforcement, courts, correctional, treatment, victim services, and prevention initiatives that strengthen the nation’s criminal justice system. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, BJA administered more than $1.5 billion to support these efforts.
This year BJA is focused on many exciting projects. One such effort is the Celebrate Safe Communities Initiative. Safe communities are the result of law enforcement working with residents as equal partners to prevent crime. In recognition of this principle, BJA, the National Crime Prevention Council, and the National Sheriffs' Association have joined together to Celebrate Safe Communities (CSC). Beginning October 2-4, communities across the country will host crime prevention events in neighborhoods in collaboration with schools and local businesses. CSC will officially kick off later in the year during Crime Prevention Month in October, but communities are encouraged to start planning activities now. To participate or start your own event, visit CelebrateSafeCommunities.org for more information.
Crime prevention is the responsibility of every community, family, and individual. For this reason, BJA supports the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program. VIPS is one of five Citizen Corps partner programs and is managed by BJA, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and USA Freedom Corps. The VIPS Program provides support and resources for agencies interested in developing or enhancing a volunteer program and for citizens who wish to volunteer their time and skills with a community law enforcement agency. The program’s ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers to help make and keep communities safe. On April 23, BJA announced that the VIPS Program had assisted in the establishment of over 1,700 local police volunteer programs supported by 139,138 volunteers.
Law enforcement officers are our country's front line in the fight against crime, and they perform difficult and dangerous jobs with skill and dedication. We respect the choice of law enforcement officers who dedicate themselves to serving their communities, and we believe we must honor that service. This May 11-17, OJP will observe Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. In October 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor federal, state, and municipal officers who die or are disabled in the line of duty. He also designated the week in which Peace Officers Memorial Day falls as Police Week.
On May 30, OJP will begin accepting nominations for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Program. The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest national award that can be bestowed on civilian public safety officers. It is awarded to public safety officers who have shown extraordinary courage, dedication to duty, and selfless commitment to the safety of their fellow citizens. The medal is awarded by the President during a special ceremony at the White House.
