Rapid Response Media Outreach

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 National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), in partnership with the National Citizen's Campaign, will provide local law enforcement with localized, pre-produced media materials in an effort to reach out to communities that experience high profile crime. They will use their expertise with public education campaigns to produce pre-recorded radio public service announcements (PSAs). In partnership with The Advertising Council, Inc., NCPC will write live announcer scripts that can be localized by law enforcement. They will create a guidebook with the National Association of Broadcasters to inform broadcasters about the PSAs and how they can be a conduit for public safety information in times of crisis. NCPC plans to administer an online survey to understand how the materials are being used and determine whether they are meeting the needs and expectations of their target population.

CA/NCF