PSN Training and Technical Assistance Bulletin May 2020, Issue 2

The monthly Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Bulletin highlights TTA and resources provided to PSN taskforces and local law enforcement agencies. We hope you find this information informative and helpful to you as you plan, implement, or seek support with your PSN projects. TTA requests can be made online here . If you have questions regarding TTA, please contact your regional TTA liaison or the TTA team at psnttateam@psntta.org .  The Department of Justice (DOJ) PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN TTA assists taskforces with planning, implementing, and assessing their violence reduction PSN strategies.  ‌ PSN TTA is currently offering virtual law enforcement assessments   and other technical assistance. Request PSN TTA

Training and Technical Assistant Spotlight TRAINING on Victim and Witness Intimidation, Retaliation, Engagement, and Support The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) held a training focused on victim and witness intimidation, retaliation, engagement, and support for law enforcement and service providers within a PSN district. After the training, NCVC participated in a number of listening sessions with attendees to determine specific TTA needs to inform future support. As a result, NCVC has continued working with the district to help improve their response to victims of homicide through creation of a multidisciplinary team. Learn more about NCVC TTA and request training on victim and witness issues .  PEER EXCHANGE on Social Network Analysis A PSN agency requested assistance with the technical aspects of social network analysis (SNA). The agency sought assistance with preparing and analyzing its data for SNA. CNA facilitated a peer exchange between the site and a law enforcement agency with extensive SNA experience. The two agencies met virtually in March, where the experienced site offered an overview of SNA, codebooks, structuring data for analysis, and analysis approaches. The next step will be a follow-up discussion focused on formatting data for analysis in the ORA software. A representative from the requesting site also attended virtual training on ORA software through the Naval Postgraduate School. CNA and MSU are collaborating to develop an introductory SNA training for all PSN sites.   ASSESSMENT on Strategic Messaging to Support Police-Community Relations Strategic communications expert Laura McElroy conducted a strategic messaging assessment for a PSN agency in December 2019. The PSN agency has already implemented several recommendations resulting from the assessment, including revising the content of weekly Chief’s video message to boost officer morale and promote career advancement, inviting the public information officer to policy- and operations-related meetings to ensure she is fully aware of departmental initiatives, and revamping the department’s social media approach. The Chief has requested follow-up technical assistance on strategies for engaging officers to develop additional organic social media content and engaging community members. Learn more about how the strategic messaging assessment can help your agency strengthen relationships between the department and citizens.   TRAINING on Vicarious Trauma  NCVC held a training for credible messengers for a PSN Region focused on vicarious trauma. NCVC is currently planning further training for that same group, including a "train the trainer" session and workshops focused on team building, anger replacement, boundaries, and self-care. Learn more about NCVC training on vicarious trauma and request related TTA.  Recent PSN Webinars The PSN FY 2020 Grant Program Solicitation Webinar : This webinar provided details and guidance to eligible applicants on the FY20 PSN Block Grant Program. Click here to view webinar and download the webinar presentation.  PSN Webinar on Targeting Offenders and Creating Targeted Offender Lists : A significant number of law enforcement agencies use offender-based approaches as part of their PSN strategy. During this webinar, researchers and experienced law enforcement professionals participated in an interactive panel discussion on strategies for identifying prolific violent offenders and maintaining targeted offender lists. Click here to view webinar and download the webinar presentation.   Trauma-Informed Interview and Investigation Techniques for Law Enforcement: here to view webinar and download the webinar presentation.   PSN TTA Catalog     The PSN TTA Catalog describes the TTA available to PSN districts and how to request, plan for, and receive assistance. TTA is currently available via virtual formats due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each PSN Taskforce is supported by a regional TTA team, consisting of a TTA liaison, analyst, victim services liaison, and DOJ support team member. Click on the map below to learn more about the seven PSN TTA teams.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES PSN TTA Website : And learn more topically online here:

Strategic Planning and Problem Solving

Law Enforcement and Prosecution Strategies

Victim Services Assistance

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This project was supported by Grant No. 2018-DP-BX-K013 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.