The intimidation of victims and witnesses may hinder investigation and prosecution of criminal cases by denying police and prosecutors access to critical evidence and therefore, undermining the function of the justice system. To address this challenge requires the involvement of professionals from across the justice system who may come into contact with victims or witnesses who may be vulnerable to intimidation. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is supporting multiple efforts to foster a collaborative approach to examining the issue of victim and witness intimidation, and providing a range of resources and strategies for both criminal justice practitioners and community members.
1.) BJA Victim and Witness Participation with the Justice System: Decreasing Intimidation, Ensuring Safety, and Improving Case Outcomes Roundtable:
On March 9, 2016, BJA convened a roundtable on victim and witness participation with the justice system and how to decrease intimidation and improve case outcomes. The meeting assembled a group of practitioners, community members, and thought leaders from around the country to discuss the challenge of successfully clearing homicide, non-fatal shootings, and other violent crime cases stemming from victim and witness intimidation. Many communities across the country experience low violent crime clearance rates, resulting in part from a reluctance by victims and/or witnesses to engage and cooperate with the justice system. Such reluctance is often due to the fear of intimidation, a lack of public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system, and/or close ties between the victims and witnesses and the crime’s perpetrators and their associates.
BJA sought to identify promising investigative and prosecution practices for successfully engaging victims and witnesses to close cases that would otherwise remain unsolved without the illuminating evidence from these victims and/or witnesses. Of equal importance was identifying strategies that ensure the safety of victims and witnesses, while simultaneously instilling their trust and confidence in the justice system.
A final meeting report from the roundtable is forthcoming; it will summarize the meeting discussions and share a blueprint of key strategies, practices, and tools. The report will also offer recommendations on moving forward.
2.) National Prosecutor's Consortium:
BJA is working with prosecutors to improve public trust and confidence in the justice system and encourage victims and witnesses to participate throughout all stages of the criminal justice process. Prosecutors can receive technical assistance to implement consortiums within their communities to tackle these issues.
For more information, visit the Prosecutors’ Center for Excellence at www.pceinc.org.
3.) BJA Funding Opportunities:
As part of its FY 2016 series of Competitive Grant solicitations, BJA released a training and technical assistance (TTA) award for the delivery of TTA nationwide in support of communities wishing to improve victim and witness cooperation and to combat victim intimidation at the local level. The goal was for the selected TTA provider to deliver TTA to three communities, create an online toolkit for improving investigations, and develop fact sheets and/or practitioner monographs related to the projects in the three selected communities. This solicitation closed on May 10, 2016. For a list of current BJA funding opportunities, please click here.
If you are interested in submitting the work of your organization or jurisdiction for consideration to be featured in a future TTA Today blog post or to obtain information related to a particular topic area, please email us at BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov.
Points of view or opinions on BJA NTTAC’s TTA Today blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, BJA, or BJA NTTAC.
On Tuesday, March 29, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) announced that $14 million will be available in grant funding in order to address and reduce violent crime through programs focused on methamphetamine use and production, and the distribution of heroin and other opioids. The funding will comprise two competitive grant programs – the COPS Anti–Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) and the COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program.
The COPS CAMP will provide $7 million in funds to investigate illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine traffickers. The COPS AHTF Program will provide $7 million in funds to locate or investigate illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin or unlawful distribution of prescriptive opioids, or unlawful heroin and prescription opioid traffickers through statewide collaboration.
A related resource for communities dealing with heroin and opioid usage is the BJA Law Enforcement Naloxone Toolkit, which provides law enforcement with the knowledge and the tools to reverse heroin overdoses. Check out the toolkit today – it has recently been updated with new resources that can be used in response to the growing opioid epidemic.
View the full DOJ COPS announcement.
Explore the Law Enforcement Naloxone Toolkit.
When I started at the San Diego (CA) Police Department in crime analysis, the only technical assistance that was provided was by the people I was fortunate enough to work with – other analysts and police officers, as well as the researchers with whom we partnered. Here we are, 24 years later and crime analysis as a field has evolved enormously, as has the amount and types of training and technical assistance (TTA) available. Crime analysis helps law enforcement agencies enhance their capabilities to analyze and use data to make informed decisions and prevent crime. Not only are software companies, academic institutions, and private organizations providing crime analysis-related training, but the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has also stepped up its game in terms of supporting the use of data and analysis in crime reduction and prevention for the criminal justice field.
One of the amazing resources for police and other justice agencies that BJA now offers is “Crime Analysis on Demand” via its National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC). Started a little over two years ago, this program provides training and/or technical assistance to agencies (via a short application) wanting to implement or enhance their crime analysis capabilities. BJA NTTAC then connects the agency with one of its providers in order to further discuss their needs and create a plan. To date, there have been 20 BJA NTTAC TTA crime analysis engagements, primarily involving policing agencies and one prosecutor’s office. These agencies range from small to large, and from crime analysis newbies to agencies with well-established programs.
In the agencies with which I’ve been connected, most start with an onsite assessment of their current crime analysis capacity to include reviewing documents and data, interviewing stakeholders, and going on ride-alongs. After the initial recommendations are made, some agencies request additional TTA to help implement the changes and enhance their crime analysis capacity. Whether it is improving the data and reporting process, learning to apply GIS (geographical information) beyond official crime data maps to understand problems, or working closer with the cop on the street, agencies of all different experience levels can benefit from BJA NTTAC’s Crime Analysis on Demand program.
The TTA that agencies request varies in terms of level of need. A couple of agencies were either starting a new crime analysis unit, or re-starting one after many years of not having a unit. They were looking for ideas on staffing, training, software tools, and products. One agency needed TTA specifically focused on analyzing their data, as they did not have analytic resources. And, in one agency I worked with, my initial observation was “you guys are doing great things, I’m not sure why I’m here.” The response was that they believed they were well-functioning too, but that “it’s always nice to have an outside expert’s input.”
In addition to BJA NTTAC’s Crime Analysis on Demand program, BJA funds several other programs that not only emphasize the importance of data and analysis, but also provide crime analysis-related TTA to the grantees/sites. These include the Violence Reduction Network and the Smart Suite (e.g., Smart Policing, Smart Prosecution, Smart Supervision, and the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation). I have been fortunate to work with many of these programs’ sites (including law enforcement, research partners, and partner community organizations) in a variety of ways by providing input on data, reviewing analysis products, and conducting crime mapping and problem analysis training.
While I have worked in crime analysis for over 20 years and provided TTA to scores of criminal justice agencies throughout the world, I continue to not only learn something new in all of my efforts, but also to establish a wonderful, extended network of colleagues – analysts, officers, researchers, and community members. We all continue to support and learn from one another as we move forward with the common goal of crime reduction and prevention.
If your agency or community is interested in the BJA NTTAC Crime Analysis on Demand program or other TTA resources, complete our application or contact BJA NTTAC at BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov. For more information on the crime analysis work of BJA and its partners, click here.
If you are interested in submitting the work of your organization or jurisdiction for consideration to be featured in a future TTA Today blog post or to obtain information related to a particular topic area, please email us at BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov.
Points of view or opinions on BJA NTTAC’s TTA Today blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, BJA, or BJA NTTAC.
On February 8, 2016, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) released a request for proposal (RFP) seeking a provider to work with the New Hampshire Office of the Attorney General (Office of the AG). The Office of the AG is requesting assistance to develop data-driven pretrial justice reforms in the New Hampshire.
The provider selected will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:
- Conduct a population analysis of the pretrial inmates in New Hampshire’s 10 county jails.
- Introduce a valid pretrial risk assessment tool for use by the court in making pretrial release decisions.
- Introduce meaningful pretrial supervision options to better ensure public safety and court appearance among defendants who are released to the community.
Responses to this RFP are due via email no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on March 4, 2016. Please contact BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov with any questions and include ATTN: Anu Madan in the subject line.
Background
Across the United States, many prison populations are at all-time high levels, leading to significant overcrowding. In 2014, approximately 2.2 million people were incarcerated in federal, state, and local prisons and jails – a rate of 1 out of every 111 adults. At the same time, 40 percent of people leaving prison return within three years.* This comes at a huge cost for states. Over the last 25 years, state corrections expenditures have increased exponentially – from $12 billion in 1988 to more than $55 billion estimated for 2014. In the face of skyrocketing corrections costs, states are searching for practical, evidence-based solutions to help reduce incarceration and recidivism rates and, ultimately, save money.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), in a public-private partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts, launched the Justice Reinvestment Initiative(JRI) in 2010 as a data-driven approach for states to examine corrections and related criminal justice spending, manage and allocate criminal justice populations in a more cost-effective manner, and reinvest savings in evidence-based strategies that can hold offenders accountable and improve public safety.
BJA and BJA National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) support JRI implementation by providing training and technical assistance (TTA) through “Maximizing State Reforms” competitive challenge grants, which are open to state and tribal government applicants. Grantees already have JRI legislation in place, but receive additional TTA through BJA and BJA NTTAC to support implementation and meet jurisdictional goals. BJA NTTAC facilitated TTA in five states over the last year, and will be supporting three additional states and four local jurisdictions this coming year. Check out two examples below of justice reinvestment approaches to improve probation programming, generate savings, and increase public safety.
Creating an Automated Probation Data Repository in Ohio
To establish JRI in Ohio, Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center experts conducted a comprehensive analysis of the state’s criminal justice system. Signed into law in 2011, Ohio’s justice reinvestment legislation aimed to improve probation supervision and establish statewide probation standards. However, a CSG Justice Center report noted considerable challenges collecting and tracking relevant probation data, which could impede implementation of the reforms. The state comprises 88 counties, but the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) provides probation services for just 44 of the counties. The remaining counties (where approximately 80 percent of the felony probation population resides) operate independent probation departments. Without a data solution to enable information-sharing among these agencies, this patchwork of independent county probation agencies threatened to undermine the promise of data-driven decisionmaking.
“With no reliable way to determine how many offenders we have on probation, let alone distribution throughout the state, it is very hard to effectively put money into programming and treatment,” said Stephanie Starr, Division of Parole and Community Services and ODRC Grant Administrator.
In order to address this challenge and further JRI implementation, the IJIS Institute, in partnership with the American Probation and Parole Association, is working through BJA NTTAC to provide technical assistance to Ohio, which has a JRI Maximizing State Reforms grant to establish an automated probation data repository. First, IJIS conducted an onsite review of probation data systems being used from a sample of reporting counties, as well as a larger, web-based survey of all Ohio counties. The TTA team found that counties were using vastly different case management systems. Additionally, most counties submit monthly or quarterly reports, and local staff spend a lot of time collecting this information by hand.
The TTA team next evaluated the various systems to identify more efficient methods of collecting and sharing data and developed a report of recommended technology solutions for the state. The report provides a roadmap to ODRC as the department takes steps toward implementing a solution that meets state and county-level goals. By creating a centralized repository, the ODRC ultimately strives to better track probation violation behavior in order to identify trends, assess the efficiency of its programs, and better allocate resources.
Implementing a Model to Rehabilitate Oregon’s Non-Violent Offenders in the Community
Through the JRI Maximizing State Reforms grant program, Oregon is working to expand the use of evidence-based strategies, including reducing prison admissions through sentencing alternatives. Enacted in 2013, Oregon’s JRI legislation is projected to avert $326 million in costs between 2015 and 2023 through programs such as increased community supervision. Oregon’s Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) sought to expand a previously piloted model in Marion County (OR), which aims to reduce prison admissions. By working through BJA NTTAC, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) developed an implementation plan for Lane and Klamath counties and prepared resources for other counties to replicate the process.
The Marion County sentencing model focuses on diverting non-violent property and drug offenders, using risk and needs assessments to determine the risk of recidivism and identify criminogenic needs (e.g., antisocial thinking and criminal peers) in order to create an appropriate supervision case plan. The goal is to balance supervision, services, and sanctions to rehabilitate non-violent offenders in the community.
“As the counties implement their JRI programs, we have seen much greater collaboration between stakeholders (including courts, the district attorney’s office, and sheriff’s office and community corrections),” said Ben Wyatt, CJC Grant Coordinator. “Offenders will either go to prison or get probation. But now, [counties] look at the depth and breadth of services that can be offered in the community. There’s a much higher level of communication, from sanctioning to treatment.”
To help other counties move forward, CJC helped establish the Oregon Knowledge Bank (OKB), an online clearinghouse of best practices in criminal justice. Marion and Lane counties are also currently participating in a study on the effectiveness of the sentencing model. If the results are positive, then the performance measures and other elements necessary to replicate the program will be added to the OKB’s toolbox as an additional JRI resource for other communities to follow.
Alongside Ohio and Oregon, 25 additional states across the nation are participating in various phases of the JRI process. To learn more about JRI – including resources, success stories, and information on how to participate – check out BJA’s JRI page.
*For more information, see the CSG Justice Center “National Reentry Resource Center Facts & Trends” page.
If your agency or community is experiencing similar issues and would like to apply for technical assistance, please contact BJA NTTAC at BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov to discuss your unique criminal justice needs.
To submit the work of your organization or jurisdiction for consideration to be featured in a future BJA NTTAC TTA Spotlight, please email BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov.
On Tuesday, January 26, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch spoke at the American Correctional Association Winter Conference on topics including reentry and solitary confinement. Attorney General Lynch outlined existing efforts to improve rehabilitation programs, including the Smart on Crime Initiative and the emphasis on rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.
In addition, Attorney General Lynch highlighted recent programs to take these efforts further, such as $53 million dedicated to Second Chance Act grants to promising state and local reentry efforts through the Office of Justice Programs. Lastly, she discussed the January 2016 Department of Justice (DOJ) report on restrictive housing and steps for reform.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and BJA NTTAC are also supporting corrections and criminal justice reform through programs such as the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI). Check out BJA’s JRI page to learn more about evidence-based practices and JRI success stories.
View Attorney General Lynch’s full remarks.
Learn more about the DOJ report on restrictive housing and recommendations for reform.
