GOAL
In partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), we work with rural and tribal law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime and associated problems that impact communities. Rural agencies gain strategies to reduce violent crimes, improve investigations, enhance victim services, and cultivate collaboration among local stakeholders through no-cost, tailored training and technical assistance, peer-to-peer networking, technology deployment, and funding opportunities.
This program provides rural and tribal agencies with the financial and strategic support necessary to reduce violent crime in their jurisdictions.
WHY IT MATTERS
Violent crime is on the rise in many jurisdictions, and addressing root issues that cause it requires resources. Rural and tribal law enforcement agencies confront the challenge of covering large geographic territories, often while facing personnel shortages, a decreasing tax base, and a lack of medical access that can turn violent crimes into fatal ones.
OUR WORK
We work with BJA, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA), and rural and tribal law enforcement agencies to develop, implement, and measure the success of violent crime reduction strategies.Â
Participating agencies receive recommendations to ensure their violent crime reduction strategies incorporate key strategic elements. We also provide agencies with training and technical assistance, data collection and process support, and funding to implement these strategies. The team then regularly meets with each agency to track progress and provide additional resources.
In 2023, RVCRI awarded and onboarded two cohorts of micrograntees. These agencies received monetary support to assist in the implementation of violence reduction plans. Funding received could be used to purchase equipment, acquire additional personnel, and deliver services.
OUR IMPACT
In 2023, we worked with 45 rural and tribal law enforcement agencies across 28 states. While each agency received individualized support, we focused on:
enhancing agency crime analysis capacity;
implementing problem-oriented policing strategies;
improving stakeholder collaboration and communication;
expanding victim services, crime prevention programs; and
purchasing and deploying technology to address violent crime.
Represents the number of agencies served in each state.
Additionally, we conducted quarterly roundtables and webinars that allowed grantees to connect and network with their peers in a facilitated format. We also awarded over $3 million dollars to agencies through 32 microgrants.
WHAT'S NEXT
We will continue supporting current and future grantees in their violent crime reduction strategies by expanding the tools, resources, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities available to maximize their success.