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National Ashanti Alert Network Training and Technical Assistance Program

Award Information

Award #
15PBJA-21-GK-03268-ASHA
Funding Category
Competitive Discretionary
Location
Congressional District
Status
Open
Funding First Awarded
2021
Total funding (to date)
$2,669,163

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2021, $895,866)

The Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR), in collaboration with the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Technology Support Center (RTSC), is submitting this proposal to continue support for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), National Ashanti Alert Network Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Program.  This project assists jurisdictions in reducing crime, improving criminal justice efforts, enhancing information sharing, strengthening multiagency collaboration, and implementing data-driven, evidence-based strategies.  This proposal builds on the successful work achieved by IIR and the RTSC and will advance the following goals:

 

Provide, with oversight and guidance from BJA, high-quality, cost-effective TTA to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) jurisdictions regarding the Network.
Provide training to SLTT jurisdictions to help develop their programs, participate in the Network, or develop public awareness education to reduce victimization.
Continue to develop and expand the state pilot program.

 

Activities include the following:

 

Improve and increase knowledge about the Act and the Network to SLTT missing person programs to have them participate in the pilot program or submit an Ashanti Alert Plan.
Manage a database of missing person programs and contacts.
Maintain and update a summary of related legislation and policies.
Create and distribute resources, such as Guidance for Developing an Ashanti Alert Plan.
Manage a secure, public website and implement a solution to increase the ability of agencies to share missing person information electronically.
Develop and distribute outreach and awareness materials.
Assist with the coordination of the Ashanti Alert Advisory Committee and the Ashanti Stakeholder Working Group.
Support the pilot program and provide technical assistance to pilot participants (geographically and programmatically diverse).
Communicate and collaborate with BJA and assess TTA services.
Collect the required data from SLTT programs, as required by the Act.

 
Ultimately, this effort will enhance jurisdictions’ abilities to effectively locate and return missing adults home safely and unharmed, reduce violent crime, and save lives.

Date Created: November 2, 2021