Check Out the WGN TV Article on the Community-Police Relation Efforts of the Chicago Police Department – A Violence Reduction Network Site

    June 13, 2016

    WGNtv.com recently published an article titled, “Chicago Police Supt. Johnson kicks off new program aimed at rebuilding community trust.” The article highlights the Chicago Police Department initiative, “Policing at the Speed of Trust,” which is designed to help build trust between the community and the police department, and help reduce violence.

    The initiative was formed as part of the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) and is being funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC). The VRN is a data-driven, evidence-based initiative that provides an innovative approach to support and enhance local violence reduction efforts through delivery of strategic, intensive training and technical assistance (TTA). Chicago is just one of the 13 sites currently part of the VRN.

    The “Policing at the Speed of Trust” initiative is a train-the-trainer course that combines representatives from both law enforcement and the community, and develops them as training facilitators in how to identify and address “trust gaps” in their current work relationships and in the community. These trained facilitators, with assistance from the selected TTA provider FranklinCovey, will then train a larger group of law enforcement officers and community members in these same principles. This effort ensures involvement from both sides to work towards a trusting relationship. Initial responses from community members and law enforcement to this effort have been positive. Community leaders who attended the workshop say admitting there is a lack of trust and trying to establish respect is a good first step in achieving progress.

    Access the full WGNtv.com article.

    To request “Policing at the Speed of Trust” or other TTA services through BJA NTTAC in your department or community, please click here.