Enlisting Americans to Serve as Volunteers in Police Service

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' (OJP's) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), furthers the Department's mission by assisting state and local jurisdictions in improving the criminal justice system and assisting communities in preventing drug abuse and crime. In fiscal year 2007, the Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program will focus on funding local, regional, and national efforts within six major categories: 1) targeting violent crime; 2) preventing crime and drug abuse; 3) enhancing local law enforcement; 4) enhancing local courts; 5) enhancing local corrections and offender reentry; and 6) facilitating justice information sharing. All categories combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) will build upon and continue the extensive body of work accomplished to date through the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program. The program's goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers. Their strategies include: 1) compiling information about the state of volunteerism in law enforcement; 2) producing and creating resource tools, education, and technical assistance to promote and support the growth of volunteerism; 3) developing new and disseminating existing print, electronic, and web-based resources; 4) continuing to offer technical assistance and mentor programs; 5) delivering materials and products to build the capacity of law enforcement agencies to utilize volunteers; and 6) continually assessing project activities and the state of volunteerism in law enforcement.

CA/NCF