Delaware Byrne SCIP

The Executive Office of the Governor of Delaware – Criminal Justice Council (CJC) is the State Administering Agency. Delaware will utilize grant funds to implement, expand, and improve the awareness, understanding and utilization of the Extreme Risk Protection Order law and operate a statewide gun violence reduction program. This project aims to fully implement, expand, and improve the awareness, understanding and utilization of ERPO laws.

Following the state's violence reduction strategy, identified funding priorities for Delaware’s FY 2022 - 2023 Byrne SCIP include 1) implementation of ERPO programs; 2) training for ERPO programs; 3) increasing communication, education, and public awareness around ERPO laws and programs statewide; and 4) working with the Administration of the Courts and DE Specialized Problem Solving Courts to a) provide threat assessment training for prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement and b) improve technology, analysis, and information-sharing solutions for ensuring law enforcement, probation, prosecutors, the courts, and public defenders are informed when a prohibited person attempts to purchase a firearm. The goal is to increase safety and protection of individuals across the state.

The project will begin during the first quarter post award with a Planning Phase where the CJC will work in partnership with the Drug and Violent Crime Advisory Committee (DVCAC) to prepare for implementation of the project. Additional needs along with program suggestions and recommendations will be solicitated from local governments and police departments. The planning phase will help determine the types of programs best suited for the local entities. The strategy will utilize evidence-based approaches and focus on two main goals: increasing extreme risk protection and state crisis intervention efforts and the reduction of gun violence including shooting incidents and homicides. The DVCAC may directly identify state and local agencies for sub awards in the planning phase and funding allocations will adhere to the pass-through requirements as mandated for SCIP funds. The CJC application and solicitation process will be utilized for these projects. University of Delaware will be the research partner for this initiative.

Objectives: 1. Provide capacity to grantees to hire and onboard staff within 60 days of sub award. 2. Launch new or expand existing crisis intervention/gun violence programs and activities within 90 days of sub award. 3. Train at least a total of 200 individuals on LVPO & WRO and gun violence throughout the grant period. 4. Conduct at least 3 awareness building events statewide. 5. Decrease shooting incidents by 10%.