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Crime Ideas
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Crime Ideas
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Records of the Domestic Policy Council (Clinton Administration)
Tom Freedman's Files
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U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Crime
ideas
w
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
Edward Byrne Memorial State and
Local Law Enforcement Assistance
Fiscal Year 1998
Promoting projects that are national or
multijurisdictional in scope.
Through the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local
Law Enforcement Assistance Program (the Byrne Pro-
Demonstrating programs that, in view of pre-
gram), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides
vious research or experience, are likely to be
leadership and guidance on crime and violence preven-
successful in more than one jurisdiction.
tion and control and works in partnership with State and
Funding. In fiscal year (FY) 1998, $46.5 million was ap-
local governments to make communities safe and im-
propriated for the Byrne Discretionary Grant Program.
prove criminal justice systems. BJA develops and tests
new approaches in criminal justice and crime control
Eligibility. Public and private agencies and private non-
and encourages replication of effective programs and
profit organizations are generally eligible to apply for
practices by State and local criminal justice agencies.
and receive funds under this program.
The Byrne Program, created by the Anti-Drug Abuse
Matching requirements. Grants and contracts may be
Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690), emphasizes con-
awarded for up to 100 percent of the cost of an ap-
trolling violent and drug-related crime and serious of-
proved project. The Federal share for subsequent
fenders and fosters multijurisdictional and multi-State
awards of projects funded after FY 1994 will decrease
efforts to support national drug-control priorities.
by at least 25 percent. This policy reflects BJA's intent
BJA makes Byrne Program funds available through two
to promote leveraging of State, local, and private re-
types of grant programs: discretionary and formula.
sources and to emphasize the need for early sustain-
Discretionary funds are awarded directly to public and
ment planning.
private agencies and private nonprofit organizations;
Program priorities. During FY 1998, BJA will focus on
formula funds are awarded to the States, which then
programs that implement comprehensive approaches to
make subawards to State and local units of government.
crime; stimulate partnerships among public agencies, pri-
vate organizations, and communities; and address unmet
Discretionary Grant Program
needs in the delivery of criminal justice services. Most
Program purposes. The Byrne Discretionary Grant
funds appropriated for discretionary grants will be
Program focuses on the following crime and violence
awarded to continue initiatives started in previous fiscal
prevention and control activities:
years or to support those efforts designated by Congress.
Undertaking educational and training programs
BJA is seeking new initiatives through several competi-
for criminal justice personnel.
tive programs. An open solicitation has been announced
to request the submission of innovative concepts and
Providing technical assistance to State and local
practices in issues related to community justice, law
units of government.
enforcement, adjudication, rural communities, indigent
defense, and nontraditional uses of resources to
enhance public safety. State and local governments will
funds with State agencies receiving Federal funds for
be encouraged to submit concept papers on individual
drug abuse education, prevention, treatment, and re-
topics within these general areas. A second, more lim-
search activities and programs. An office or agency
ited solicitation seeks applications to strengthen State
performing other functions within the State's executive
and local evaluation efforts through partnerships among
branch may be the designated State office.
State administrative agencies. Panels of experts will re-
Statewide strategy. Each State is required to develop a
view concept papers or applications for each competi-
statewide strategy to improve its functioning of the
tive program. Funding decisions will be made by the
criminal justice system, with an emphasis on drug traf-
Director of BJA.
ficking, violent crime, and serious offenders. The strat-
Formula Grant Program
egy should be prepared after consultation with State
and local officials, particularly those whose duty it is to
Program purposes. The Byrne Formula Grant Program
enforce drug and criminal laws and to direct the admin-
is a partnership among Federal, State, and local govern-
istration of justice, and made available to the public for
ments to create safer communities and improved crimi-
comment.
nal justice systems. BJA is authorized to award grants
Administrative funds. Up to 10 percent of formula grant
to States for use by States and units of local government
funds allocated to a State may be used to pay for costs
to improve the functioning of the criminal justice sys-
incurred in administering the formula grant program.
tem, with emphasis on violent crime and serious of-
fenders, and to enforce State and local laws that
Matching requirements. At least 25 percent of the cost
establish offenses similar to those in the Federal Con-
of a program or project funded with a formula grant
trolled Substances Act. Grants may be used to provide
must be paid in cash with non-Federal funds. These
personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance,
"match" funds must be in addition to funds that would
and information systems for more widespread appre-
otherwise be made available by the recipient for law
hension, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and reha-
enforcement. Match funds are generally provided on a
bilitation of offenders who violate such State and local
project-by-project basis, although BJA can approve a
laws. Grants also may be used to provide assistance
statewide match option.
(other than compensation) to victims of these offenders.
Passthrough. The minimum passthrough amount for
There are 26 legislatively authorized purpose areas
each State is based on the percentage of funds expended
(outlined in the next section) for which formula grant
for criminal justice purposes by units of local govern-
assistance may be provided.
ment relative to total State and local criminal justice
Funding. In FY 1998, $505 million was appropriated for
expenditures in the State. These expenditures must be
the Byrne Formula Grant Program. From this allocation,
funded by State and local revenue sources, e.g., taxes,
each State receives a base amount of 0.25 percent of the
charges and fees, utility revenue, and interest earnings.
total allocation. Remaining funds are allocated according
This requirement applies only to the 50 States. The Dis-
to each State's relative share of the U.S. population. (See
trict of Columbia, because of its designation as a local
"Formula Grant Program Allocation of Funds.") In addi-
unit of government, is required to pass through 100 per-
tion, Congress has added $25 million to fund State pro-
cent. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
grams related to the President's Federal drug-testing
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Common-
initiative. Although not mandated to do so, States are
wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have no
strongly encouraged to consider using Byrne Program
passthrough requirement due to their single-level gov-
funds for programs that support this initiative.
ernment structures.
Eligibility. The 50 States, the District of Columbia, the
Funding priority. In distributing funds, States are to
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
give priority to jurisdictions with the greatest need for
Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the
assistance with criminal justice programs.
Northern Mariana Islands are eligible to apply for for-
Congressional mandates. States are required to com-
mula grant funds. For the purposes of this program, ref-
ply with the following congressional mandates:
erences to "State" include all of these eligible entities.
Criminal Justice Records Improvement
State office. The chief executive of each participating
Plan. States must use at least 5 percent of their
State designates a State office to administer the State's
formula grant awards for the improvement of
Byrne Program and to coordinate the distribution of
criminal justice records.
2
Formula Grant Program Allocation of Funds
Percentage To Be
Percentage To Be
FY 1998
Passed Through to
FY 1998
Passed Through to
State
Allocation
Local Jurisdictions
State
Allocation
Local Jurisdictions
Alabama
8,160,000
50.95
New Jersey
14,156,000
57.67
Alaska
2,242,000
21.97
New Mexico
4,028,000
42.23
Arizona
8,410,000
61.04
New York
30,614,000
63.29
Arkansas
5,313,000
54.87
North Carolina
13,082,000
41.36
California
52,716,000
63.15
North Dakota
2,301,000
56.16
Colorado
7,433,000
58.82
Ohio
19,296,000
64.42
Connecticut
6,547,000
36.96
Oklahoma
6,590,000
45.41
Delaware
2,432,000
26.87
Oregon
6,434,000
46.98
District of Columbia
2,139,000
100.00
Pennsylvania
20,722,000
64.83
Florida
24,505,000
61.56
Rhode Island
2,861,000
41.76
Georgia
13,131,000
53.39
South Carolina
7,233,000
42.53
Hawaii
3,173,000
46.45
South Dakota
2,445,000
47.16
Idaho
3,182,000
52.41
Tennessee
9,849,000
48.78
Illinois
20,384,000
64.51
Texas
32,137,000
65.60
Indiana
10,690,000
56.78
Utah
4,491,000
49.76
Iowa
5,865,000
40.79
Vermont
2,213,000
25.11
Kansas
5,414,000
47.49
Virginia
12,037,000
30.04
Kentucky
7,531,000
32.30
Washington
10,193,000
60.25
Louisiana
8,285,000
51.92
West Virginia
4,209,000
47.93
Maine
3,269,000
41.59
Wisconsin
9,591,000
61.98
Maryland
9,448,000
44.47
Wyoming
2,040,000
54.95
Massachusetts
11,096,000
36.64
Puerto Rico
7,368,000
0
Michigan
16,748,000
53.10
Virgin Islands
1,427,000
0
Minnesota
8,780,000
70.29
Guam
1,477,000
0
Mississippi
5,646,800
52.52
American Samoa/
N. Mariana Islands
1,408,000*
0
Missouri
9,912,000
58.22
Montana
58.56
* American Samoa (67 percent)-$943,360; N. Mariana
2,682,000
Islands (33 percent)-$464,640.
Nebraska
3,929,000
60.36
Note: Figures for populations of States and for Puerto Rico
Nevada
3,850,000
62.01
are based on Bureau of Census estimates as of July 1, 1996.
New Hampshire
3,139,000
51.46
Figures for other U.S. territories are based on the 1990 census.
3
Immigration and Naturalization Plan.
4. Community and neighborhood programs to assist
States must develop methods to notify the
citizens in preventing and controlling crime, including
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
special programs that address crimes committed against
of alien convictions and to provide records of
the elderly and special programs in rural jurisdictions.
those convictions to INS.
5. Programs to disrupt illicit commerce in stolen goods
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test-
and property.
ing. States must enact and enforce a law that
6. Programs to improve the investigation and prosecu-
requires sex offenders to be tested for HIV if
tion of white-collar crime, organized crime, public cor-
the victim requests such testing. If a State fails
ruption, and fraud against the Government, with
to comply, 10 percent of the State's formula
priority attention to cases involving drug-related official
grant will be withheld.
corruption.
Jacob Wetterling Sexual Offender Registry.
7. a. Programs to improve the operational effective-
States must establish 10-year registration re-
ness of law enforcement through the use of crime
quirements for persons convicted of certain
analysis techniques, street sales enforcement,
crimes against minors and sexually violent of-
schoolyard violator programs, and gang-related and
fenses and a more stringent set of registration
low-income housing drug-control programs.
requirements for a subclass of highly dangerous
sex offenders characterized as "sexually violent
b. Programs to develop and implement antiterrorism
predators." If a State fails to comply with these
plans for deep-draft ports, international airports,
requirements, 10 percent of its formula grant
and other important facilities.
will be withheld.
8. Career criminal prosecution programs, including the
Construction. Grant funds may be used for construc-
development of model drug-control legislation.
tion of penal and correctional institutions only. Acquisi-
9. Financial investigative programs to identify money
tion of land with grant funds is prohibited.
laundering operations and assets obtained through ille-
Period of project support. Projects in the aggregate
gal drug trafficking, including the development of
may be funded for a maximum of 4 years (48 months).
model legislation, financial investigative training, and
Grants awarded to State and local governments to par-
financial information-sharing systems.
ticipate in multijurisdictional drug or gang task forces
10. Programs to improve the operational effectiveness
and victim assistance programs are excluded from this
of courts by expanding prosecutorial, defender, and
restriction.
judicial resources and implementing court delay-
Legislatively Authorized Byrne
reduction programs.
Program Purposes
11. Programs to improve the corrections system and
provide additional public correctional resources, includ-
Both discretionary and formula grant funds may be
ing treatment in prisons and jails, intensive supervision
used to implement programs that carry out any of the
programs, and long-range corrections and sentencing
following 26 legislatively authorized purposes:
strategies.
1. Demand-reduction education programs in which law
12. Prison industry projects to place inmates in a realis-
enforcement officers participate.
tic working and training environment that enables them
2. Multijurisdictional task force programs to integrate
to develop marketable skills. With these skills inmates
Federal, State, and local drug law enforcement agencies
are better able to support their families and themselves
and prosecutors for the purpose of enhancing inter-
in the institution and make financial restitution to their
agency coordination and intelligence and facilitating
victims.
multijurisdictional investigations.
13. Programs to identify and meet the treatment needs
3. Programs to target the domestic sources of controlled
of adult and juvenile drug- and alcohol-dependent
and illegal substances, such as precursor chemicals, di-
offenders.
verted pharmaceuticals, clandestine laboratories, and
cannabis cultivations.
4
14. Programs to provide assistance to jurors and wit-
26. Programs to develop and implement antiterrorism
nesses and assistance (other than compensation) to vic-
training and procure equipment for local law enforce-
tims of crime.
ment authorities.
15. a. Programs to improve drug-control technology,
Note: Congress has authorized the use of Byrne funds
such as pretrial drug-testing programs; to provide
to support programs that assist in the litigation of death
for the identification, assessment, referral to treat-
penalty Federal habeas corpus petitions. This authori-
ment, case management, and monitoring of drug-
zation applies only to the current award (FY 1998) and
dependent offenders; and to enhance State and
may or may not be available in future funding cycles.
local forensic laboratories.
Program Evaluation
b. Criminal justice information systems (including
automated fingerprint identification systems) to as-
The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 mandates that all
sist law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and cor-
programs funded under the Byrne Program be evalu-
rections organizations.
ated. The goal is to identify and disseminate informa-
tion about programs of proven effectiveness so that
16. Programs to demonstrate innovative approaches to
jurisdictions throughout the country can replicate them.
enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication of drug of-
In addition, evaluation results guide the formulation of
fenses and other serious crimes.
policy and programs within Federal, State, and local
17. Programs to address drug trafficking and the illegal
criminal justice agencies.
manufacture of controlled substances in public housing.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is an active par-
18. Programs to improve the criminal and juvenile jus-
ticipant in BJA's evaluation program. BJA and NIJ
tice system's response to domestic and family violence,
jointly develop evaluation guidelines and conduct com-
including spouse abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse.
prehensive evaluations of selected programs receiving
19. Programs with which States and local units of gov-
discretionary and formula grant funds. The Director of
ernment can evaluate State drug-control projects.
NIJ is required to report to the President, Attorney Gen-
eral, and Congress on the nature and findings of Byrne
20. Programs to provide alternatives to detention, jail,
Program evaluation activities.
and prison for persons who pose no danger to the
community.
Formula grant program applicants must include an
evaluation component that meets the BJA/NIJ evalua-
21. Programs to strengthen urban enforcement and
tion guidelines. The Director of BJA may waive this re-
prosecution efforts targeted at street drug sales.
quirement under certain circumstances. Each State is
22. Programs to prosecute driving-while-intoxicated
required to provide BJA with an annual report that in-
charges and enforce other laws relating to alcohol use
cludes a summary of its grant activities and an assess-
and the operation of motor vehicles.
ment of the impact of these programs on the needs
identified in its statewide strategy. Formula grant funds
23. Programs to address the need for effective bindover
may be used to pay for evaluation activities.
systems for the prosecution of violent 16- and 17-year-
old juveniles for [certain enumerated] violent crimes in
Applicants for discretionary grant funding also are re-
courts with jurisdiction over adults.
quired to include an evaluation component in their ap-
plications and to conduct evaluations according to the
24. Law enforcement and prevention programs for
procedures and terms established by BJA.
gangs and youth who are involved or are at risk of in-
volvement in gangs.
The Director of BJA is required to submit to the
Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the
25. Programs to develop or improve forensic laboratory
President pro tempore of the Senate an annual report on
capability to analyze DNA for identification purposes.
evaluation results of BJA programs and projects and
State strategy implementation.
5
For More Information
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 6000
For additional information on the Bureau of Justice
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
Assistance and its programs, contact the offices listed
Phone: 1-800-688-4252
below. In addition, refer to BJA's FY 1998 Program
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
Plan for a summary of all discretionary programs
planned for FY 1998. Solicitations for competitive
Clearinghouse staff are available Monday through
awards, including application instructions, will be is-
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time. Ask to be
sued separately and made available through the BJA
placed on the BJA mailing list.
home page or the BJA Clearinghouse home page. (See
Department of Justice Response Center
below for World Wide Web addresses.)
Phone: 1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Response Center staff are available Monday through
810 Seventh Street NW.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time.
Washington, DC 20531
Phone: 202-307-0635
World Wide Web: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
FS 000184
March 1998
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Permit No. G-91
Washington, DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
Edward Byrne Memorial State and
Local Law Enforcement Assistance
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Office of Justice Programs
Permit No. G-91
Washington, DC 20531
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
FY 1998 Local Law Enforcement
Block Grants Program
The Fiscal Year (FY) 1998 Appropriations Act, Public
the formula-based threshold of $10,000 are eligible for
Law 105-119, provides $523 million for the continua-
direct awards from BJA.
FY 1998 Local Law Enforcement
tion of the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants
The amount of State funds remaining after local alloca-
Block Grants Program
(LLEBG) Program to be administered by the Bureau of
tions have been made is awarded to a State Administra-
Fact Sheet
Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice.
tive Agency (SAA) designated by the Governor. The
The purpose of the LLEBG Program is to provide funds
SAA has the choice of distributing award funds to State
to units of local government to underwrite projects to
police departments and/or to units of local government
reduce crime and improve public safety.
not meeting the formula-based threshold of $10,000.
Program Eligibility and Distribution
Additional information about this portion of the funds
of Funds
is available from each State's respective SAA.
To be considered eligible for the LLEBG Program, a
Program Purpose Areas
jurisdiction must be a general purpose unit of local gov-
LLEBG Program funds must be spent in accordance
ernment.¹ The unit of local government must report, via
with one or more of the following seven purpose areas:
its law enforcement agency. to the Uniform Crime Re-
ports (UCR) Program at the Federal Bureau of Investi-
Law enforcement support for:
gation (FBI).
Hiring. training, and employing on a continu-
The LLEBG Program is a formula program based on a
ous basis new, additional law enforcement of-
BJA World Wide Web Address
jurisdiction's number of UCR Part I violent crimes re-
ficers and necessary support personnel.
ported to the FBI. The formula is computed in two stages.
Paying overtime to employed law enforcement
For a copy of this document online,
In the first stage, State allocations are made proportionate
officers and necessary support personnel for the
as well as more information on BJA,
to the State's average annual number of UCR Part I vio-
purpose of increasing the number of hours
check the BJA Home Page at
lent crimes compared to all States for the 3 most recent
worked by such personnel.
calendar years. Each State will receive a minimum award
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
of 0.25 percent of the total amount available for formula
Procuring equipment, technology, and other
distribution under the LLEBG Program. In the second
materials directly related to basic law enforce-
stage, awards to units of local government are made pro-
ment functions.
portionate to each local jurisdiction's average annual
Enhancing security measures in and around schools
number of UCR Part I violent crimes compared to all lo-
and other facilities or locations that the unit of local
cal jurisdictions in that State for the 3 most recent calen-
government considers to be at risk for incidents of
dar years. Jurisdictions reporting crime statistics above
crime.
Establishing or supporting drug courts.
must be returned to BJA within 90 days of the
percent of prosecution or incarceration costs arising
For Further Information
project's termination.
from Part I violent crimes reported by an associated
Enhancing the adjudication of cases involving
For more information about the Local Law Enforce-
municipality. When there are multiple associated mu-
violent offenders, including cases involving violent
Public Safety Officers' Health Benefits Provision
nicipalities, the county also must show that the funding
ment Block Grants Program, please contact:
juvenile offenders.
Section 615 of the FY 1998 Appropriations Act requires
allocations to those municipalities are likely to threaten
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Establishing a multijurisdictional task force,
a unit of local government to afford a public safety of-
the efficient administration of justice.
Local Law Enforcement Block Grants Division
particularly in rural areas, composed of law
ficer who retires or is separated from duty due to a line-
810 Seventh Street NW.
enforcement officials representing units of local gov-
of-duty injury suffered as a direct and proximate result
Application Process
Washington, DC 20531
ernment. These task forces must work with Federal
of responding to a hot pursuit or an emergency situation
1. BJA distributes application kits to eligible units of
202-305-2088
law enforcement officials to prevent and control
at separation with health benefits that are the same as,
local government in late May.
World Wide Web: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
crime.
or better than. those benefits received while on duty at
2. State attorney general submits disparity certifica-
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
the time of injury.
Establishing cooperative crime prevention pro-
tions to BJA. if applicable, in late June.
P.O. Box 6000
grams between community residents and law
A unit of local government eligible for the LLEBG Pro-
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
enforcement personnel to control, detect, or investi-
gram must be in compliance with this provision to be
3. Jurisdiction's chief executive signs and submits a
1-800-688-4252
gate crime or to prosecute criminals.
eligible to receive the entire amount of its award. A unit
copy of the application to the Governor or desig-
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
of local government not in compliance with this provi-
nated representative at least 20 days prior to sub-
Defraying the cost of indemnification insurance for
law enforcement officers.
sion will forfeit 10 percent of the eligible award
mission to BJA, as required by statute.
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
amount. For additional information on this provision,
4. Chief executive forwards a copy of the application
Program Requirements
see the LLEBG Public Safety Officers' Health Benefits
to BJA by late July.
Provision fact sheet. which is available through the BJA
The following requirements must be met prior to the
Clearinghouse and via the BJA home page.
5. BJA makes awards by late September.
obligation of LLEBG Program funds:
Prohibitions on Use of Funds
Notes
Advisory Board
Each jurisdiction must establish or designate an advi-
LLEBG funds are not to be used to purchase, lease, rent,
1. Units of local government are counties, towns and
or acquire tanks or armored vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft.
townships, villages, cities. parishes, Indian tribes,
sory board to review the application. This board must
limousines, real estate, yachts, or any vehicle not used
Alaska Native villages, and parish sheriffs (in the
be designated to make nonbinding recommendations for
the proposed use of funds received under this program.
primarily for law enforcement. Funds are not to be used
State of Louisiana) that carry out substantial
to retain consultants. Construction of new facilities is also
governmental duties.
At minimum the advisory board must include a member
from each of the following local organizations: law en-
prohibited. In addition, Federal funds may not be used to
2. In Louisiana the recommendations of the advisory
FS 000216
forcement agency, prosecutor's office, court system,
supplant State or local funds: they must be used to in-
board are binding.
May 1998
crease the amount of funds that would otherwise be avail-
school system, and nonprofit group (e.g., educational,
able from State and local sources.
religious, or community) active in crime prevention or
drug use prevention or treatment.
Resolution of Funding Disparities
Public Hearing
The LLEBG Program provides resolution to potential
Each jurisdiction must hold at least one public hearing
funding disparities within jurisdictions. The State at-
regarding the proposed use of funds. Jurisdictions
torney general may certify that a disparity exists be-
should encourage public attendance and participation.
tween or among jurisdictions. Those jurisdictions are
Matching Funds
then required by statute to develop and submit joint
applications. BJA's role is limited to accepting State
In each jurisdiction, LLEBG funds may not exceed 90
attorney general certifications and reviewing joint
percent of total program costs. Program participation re-
applications for compliance. If the State attorney gen-
quires a cash match that will not be waived. All recipients
eral chooses not to become involved in the disparate
must maintain records clearly showing the source.
allocation certification process, there is no mechanism
amount, and timing of all matching contributions.
for BJA to intervene.
Trust Fund
The LLEBG Program employs two criteria for deter-
Each jurisdiction must establish an interest-bearing
mining eligibility for certification. First. an associated
trust fund in which to deposit program funds. All Fed-
municipality's eligible funding amount must be greater
eral funds (including interest and match) must be ex-
(by set percentages) than the funding amount of the
pended within the 2-year grant period. Unspent funds
county. Second, the county must bear more than 50
2
3
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
FY 1998 State Identification Systems
Grants Program
Of the many collaborative efforts the Bureau of Justice
to address backlog or program implementation issues,
Assistance (BJA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
and State and local personnel expenses if personnel are
(FBI) have undertaken to make local and State law en-
devoted to a qualifying identification project.
forcement, prosecutorial, court, and corrections agencies
SIS grants may be used by States in conjunction with
more effective, one of the most critical is the improve-
local government agencies or with other States in any
ment and integration of information systems that those
combination. States are not required, however, to pass
agencies can use to identify and prosecute offenders.
funding through to local agencies. In addition, States
This fact sheet describes the State Identification Systems
may enter into compacts with other States to carry out
(SIS) grants program, established to give States the re-
the grants. The Federal share of funds for a State's pro-
sources to develop or improve their computerized iden-
gram may cover 100 percent of its costs. There is no
tification systems and integrate those systems with the
match requirement.
FBI's national identification databases. In fiscal year (FY)
1997, BJA awarded $8.3 million in FBI-funded SIS
Eligibility Requirements
grants to eligible States. In FY 1998, $10.7 million is
To be eligible to receive an SIS grant, a State must require
available for award. The grants can be used to:
each person convicted of a felony of a sexual nature to
Create computerized identification systems that are
provide a sample of blood. saliva, or other specimen to
compatible and integrated with databases of the FBI's
appropriate State law enforcement officials, as desig-
National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
nated by the State's chief executive officer. The speci-
Improve forensic laboratories' ability to analyze
men is used to conduct a DNA analysis consistent with
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in ways that are
the standards established for DNA testing by the direc-
compatible and integrated with the FBI's Combined
tor of the FBI. According to the FBI, as of May 15,
DNA Index System (CODIS).
1998, 50 States meet this requirement.
Develop automated fingerprint systems that are
For purposes of the SIS program, the term "State"
compatible and integrated with the FBI's Integrated
designates any State of the United States as well as the
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
(IAFIS).
the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. However,
Use of SIS Funds
American Samoa and the Commonwealth of Northern
States may use SIS grants for equipment, supplies, train-
Mariana Islands are considered one State and, if eligible,
ing or educational expenses, modifications to space to
will divide the allocation of funds for that State by a
accommodate equipment, contractor-provided services
67- and 33-percent share, respectively.
Distribution of Awards
For More Information
The distribution of SIS funds in FY 1998 will be ap-
BJA provides a variety of publications and materials on
proximately $194,710* to each State that is awarded an
efforts to improve the criminal justice system at the Fed-
SIS grant. Any grant funds that cannot be awarded in any
eral, State, and local levels. To order publications or to
fiscal year will be carried forward to the next fiscal year
find out more about BJA programs, contact:
and added to the total appropriated by Congress for the
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
program.
P.O. Box 6000
* American Samoa may receive $130,456. and the Commonwealth
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
of Northern Mariana Islands may receive $64,254.
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
Administration of the SIS Program
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
Clearinghouse staff are available Monday through Friday,
In each State, the Governor designates a State agency to
8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time. Ask them to place you
administer the State's SIS award. This agency assumes
on the BJA mailing list.
responsibility for submitting the State's application, se-
lecting subrecipients to receive funds, disbursing funds,
Department of Justice Response Center
and performing other administrative functions.
1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
Response Center staff are available Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time.
BJA World Wide Web Home Page
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/B.JA
FS 000175
May 1998
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Permit No. G-91
Washington, DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
FY 1998 State Identification
Systems Grants Program Fact Sheet
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BIA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist. Director
FY 1998 State Criminal
Alien Assistance Program
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides Federal
expenditures may be included; capital expenditures and
assistance to States and localities for the costs of incarcer-
nonroutine costs must be excluded from the calculation.
ating certain criminal aliens who are being held as a re-
Applicants must also deduct any payments received
sult of State and/or local charges or convictions. Aliens
from other jurisdictions to cover costs of housing in-
claimed must be convicted of either a felony or two mis-
mates and should include any payments made to other
demeanors that occurred prior to or resulted in the cur-
jurisdictions to house their inmates.
rent custody. The program is authorized and governed
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), BJA's
by the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality
partner in SCAAP, is primarily responsible for verifying
Act of 1990, as amended, 8 U.S.C. 1251(i), originally en-
information on alien inmates to determine which in-
acted as section 20301 of the Violent Crime Control and
mates, whose records are submitted by applicants,
Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-322).
qualify as undocumented criminal aliens. Applicants are
Eligible Applicants
requested to count every foreign-born inmate processed
by their facilities during a specified 1-year reporting
States and localities with correctional facilities that incar-
period. This method helps to identify individual aliens
cerate or detain for 72 hours or longer persons accused
and develop better statistics on the number of aliens
or convicted of crimes are eligible to apply for State
currently in State and local facilities. Information about
Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) funds. The
inmates who are claimed as possible qualifying aliens,
term "States and localities" encompasses the 50 States,
including length of stay, must be provided by applicants
the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S.
in a specified format that can be compared to INS
Virgin Islands, and nearly 3,000 counties and cities with
records. Applicants will be given credit for a percentage
jail facilities. These jurisdictions may apply for program
of inmates whose eligibility cannot be determined
funds or may, by formal delegation, allow their correc-
through a positive match with INS records.
tional agencies to apply directly for funding.
BJA provides applicants with a preprogrammed dis-
Application and Award Process
kette for direct entry of inmate data. This system ac-
commodates applicants with small inmate populations
Applicants must submit a one-page scannable applica-
and applicants that are not fully automated. BJA also
tion form that includes information on inmates claimed
accepts data converted directly from applicants' auto-
and costs incurred. The actual cost of incarceration for
mated record-keeping systems into the proper format
each inmate per day in the applicant's jurisdiction is
for INS verification. This option is appropriate for
reported as part of the formal application. Cost calcula-
applicants with large inmate populations and comput-
tions are based on financial records kept by the jurisdic-
erized systems.
tion and include overhead costs as well as costs directly
An applicant's final claim for award is calculated by
associated with inmate upkeep. Only routine operating
multiplying the number of days served by qualifying
aliens incarcerated in the applicant's facility (including
Center. The Response Center is tasked with the first-
a percentage of inmates not identified by INS matching
line response to all SCAAP inquiries; BJA program
procedures) by the applicant's actual average inmate
staff and data-information contractors act as backup
cost per day. The sum of final claims for all applicants
for more complex or technical questions during the
is divided into the available appropriation to determine
application period.
a percentage payment on the dollar of each claim.
Award amounts for each applicant are calculated based
Sources for Further Information
on that payment percentage. In prior years, payment
For more information about the State Criminal Alien
percentages have ranged from 16 to 60 percent and,
Assistance Program, please contact:
thus, should not be taken as any indicator of final
award amounts.
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
BJA uses grants to make awards. Once the award has
been accepted by the applicant, payment is made elec-
Response Center staff are available Monday through
tronically. Award recipients may use SCAAP funds for
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time.
any lawful purpose, including but not limited to reim-
The SCAAP Guidance and Application Kit and other
bursement of correctional costs.
relevant information are available on the Internet via
Obtaining Applications and Technical
BJA's home page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
Assistance
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 6000
All eligible jurisdictions are directly notified of the
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
availability of funds and application materials. A pre-
1-800-688-4252
paid postage card is provided by BJA to allow potential
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
applicants to request the SCAAP Guidance and Appli-
cation Kit. The kits are only mailed to applicants that
Clearinghouse staff are available Monday through
have previously received SCAAP funds or that specifi-
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time.
cally request them, either by returning the postcard or
FS000152
by calling the U.S. Department of Justice Response
April 1998
U.S. Department of Justice
BULK RATE
Office of Justice Programs
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
DOJ/BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Permit No. G-91
Washington. DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
FY 1998 State Criminal
Alien Assistance Program Fact Sheet
&
U.S. Department of Justice
Jusince
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
JUSTICT
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998
On June 16, 1998, President Clinton signed into law the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998
(Public Law 105-181). The purpose of the Act is to save the lives of law enforcement officers by helping
State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies provide officers with armored vests. The Act authorizes
the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department
of Justice, to administer the funds.
Award Distribution
The Act provides for BJA to award funds directly to States (includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands), units of local
government, and Indian tribes. At least half of the funds will be provided to units of local government with
less than 100,000 residents. Among the preferential funding factors BJA may consider when selecting
applicants for awards are jurisdictions displaying the greatest need for armored vests based on the
percentage of law enforcement officers in the department who do not have access to vests; jurisdictions
who have or will institute a mandatory wear policy; jurisdictions with a violent crime rate at or above the
national average; and jurisdictions that have not received Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program
funding. Over the next several months, BJA will work with the National Law Enforcement and Corrections
Technology Center of the National Institute of Justice and the Office of Justice Programs' Office of the
General Counsel and Office of Congressional and Public Affairs to provide timely updates on the program
and fulfill all program requirements.
Future Updates
When the Justice Department's fiscal year 1999 appropriation is passed, BJA will incorporate any
additional requirements into a Guidance Manual that will include details on how to apply for grant funds.
Jurisdictions and others seeking updates on the program's status over the next several months should check
the BJA Home Page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA. the OJP Home Page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov,
or call the Department of Justice Response Center at 1-800-421-6770. For information about armored
vests, please access JUSTNET at http://www.nlectc.org.
July 1998
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
FY 1998 Open Solicitation Announcement:
Call for Concept Papers
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has issued its FY 1998
Topic Area 1: Community Justice
Open Solicitation Announcement seeking innovative solutions
Applicants are invited to submit strategies to create part-
to problems faced by the criminal justice community. BJA in-
nerships between communities and local criminal justice
vites eligible applicants to help us improve the criminal justice
systems to combat crime.
system and build partnerships between the system and public
and private organizations. Awards will be worth up to $150,000
Eligibility: Units of State, local, or tribal government
and cover a period of 18 months.
(see Submission Requirements).
Topic Area 2: Law Enforcement Partnerships
Submission Requirements
To Address Hate Crimes
Applicants are limited to units and agencies of State, local, or
Applicants are invited to submit strategies that address
tribal governments. Eligibility includes. but is not limited to.
crimes committed against individuals or groups because
States. counties, municipalities. villages. towns, townships.
of their race. ethnicity, religious affiliation, gender, dis-
ability, or sexual orientation.
courts, prosecution, indigent defense, probation, parole, pretrial
services, corrections. law enforcement, and social services.
Eligibility: Units of State, local, or tribal government
Submissions must follow the format outlined in the FY 1998
(see Submission Requirements).
Open Solicitation Announcement's Submission Criteria and
must not exceed six pages. excluding a cover page.
Topic Area 3: Criminal Justice Challenges for
Rural or Tribal Communities
Applicants are invited to submit strategies that address
Submissions must be received by BJA
criminal justice challenges unique to rural or tribal
by close of business (5:30 p.m. eastern
communities.
time) on July 2, 1998.
Eligibility: Units of government (including tribal govern-
ments) serving rural communities with populations of
less than 25,000 residents that are not located within a
For a description of submission requirements in their entirety,
applicants should refer to the FY 1998 Open Solicitation
metropolitan area or that have been designated by the
Announcement now available from the BJA Clearinghouse at
Federal Government as Rural Empowerment Zones,
1-800-688-4252 or via the BJA home page at http://www.ojp.
Enterprise Communities. or Champion Communities
usdoj.gov/BJA.
(see Submission Requirements).
Topic Area 4: Criminal Justice System
Solicitation Topic Areas
Responses to Senior Citizens
Applicants may submit only one paper per topic area but may
Applicants are invited to submit strategies that address
apply under as many areas as desired. Papers must address the
issues presented by senior citizens, including meeting their
needs when they are victims, witnesses, defendants. offend-
following topic areas:
ers, and volunteers in the criminal justice communities.
Eligibility: Units of State, local, or tribal government
(see Submission Requirements).
Topic Area 5: The Role of Alcohol and Crime
criminal justice agencies to prevent or reduce incidences of
Applicants are invited to submit strategies that address
violent crime in the community.
the link between alcohol and crime.
Eligibility: Units of State, local. or tribal government
Eligibility: Units of State. local, or tribal government
(see Submission Requirements).
(see Submission Requirements).
Topic Area 10: Local Priorities
Topic Area 6: Indigent Defense
Applicants are invited to submit innovative strategies to
Applicants are invited to submit strategies to enhance
address local problem areas not described in Topic Areas
the representation of indigent criminal defendants.
I through 9. Topics must specifically address criminal
justice issues, and applicants may not submit a concept
Eligibility: Units of State, local, or tribal government
paper in this category that they have submitted in any other
(see Submission Requirements).
topic area.
Topic Area 7: Cultural Barriers to Justice
Eligibility: Units of State, local, or tribal government
Applicants are invited to submit strategies for reducing
(see Submission Requirements).
cultural barriers to justice. defined as barriers that pre-
Note: Eligibility restrictions do not preclude private or not-for-
vent individuals from participating fully in the criminal
profit agencies from collaborating with authorized applicants.
justice system by virtue of language, philosophy. or
nor do they preclude two or more units of government from ap-
experience.
plying under the cover of one authorized applicant that will be
Eligibility: Units of State, local, or tribal government
responsible for the administration of the award. Units of tribal
(see Submission Requirements).
government must represent federally recognized tribes.
Topic Area 8: Nontraditional Uses of Prosecu-
For More Information
tion Resources To Enhance Public Safety
Applicants are invited to submit strategies that use pros-
Copies of the FY 1998 Open Solicitation Announcement are
ecutors or prosecution resources to enhance public safety
available through the BJA Clearinghouse at 1-800-688-4252.
through nontraditional work, including, but not limited to,
Questions concerning the solicitation should be directed to the
work in schools, in the community, and/or with special-
DOJ Response Center at 1-800-421-6770. Information about
needs populations.
the solicitation and other BJA programs is also available
Eligibility: Units of State, local. or tribal government
through the BJA home page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA.
(see Submission Requirements).
Topic Area 9: Public Health and Criminal
Justice Collaborations
Applicants are invited to submit strategies for the develop-
FS 000220
ment of collaborative efforts among public health and
May 1998
U.S. Department of Justice
BULK RATE
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Office of Justice Programs
DOJ/BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Permit No. G-91
Washington, DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
FY 1998 Open Solicitation Announcement:
Call for Concept Papers Fact Sheet
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
FIRST CLASS
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
DOJ/BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Permit No. G-91
Washington. DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
FY 1998 Byrne Evaluation Partnership Program
To increase the quality and use of evaluations conducted
Eligibility Requirements
by State and local agencies, the Bureau of Justice Assistance
(BJA), a component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S.
Eligibility for the Byrne Evaluation Partnership Program
Department of Justice, created the Byrne Evaluation Part-
is limited to the SAAs, which apply individually or as
nership Program. The program creates a mechanism for
coapplicants with other State and local agencies involved
enhancing the design, implementation, measurement,
in planning, coordinating, administering, and/or evaluat-
FY 1998 Byrne Evaluation
evaluation, and dissemination of information in high-
ing criminal justice programs funded under the Byrne For-
Partnership Program
priority program areas.
mula Grant Program. Applicants seeking funding under
this program are challenged to pledge a contribution that
The program seeks to enhance collaborative evaluation
equals or surpasses the amount of the requested award.
among State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) by making
BJA funds available under the Byrne Formula Grant Pro-
Building State and Local
gram. The SAAs have principal responsibility for evalua-
Evaluation Capacities
tion in coordination with funded program managers and
evaluators at universities or other research organizations.
The Byrne Evaluation Partnership Program is part of BJA's
This approach reinforces the efforts of SAAs to build bonds
Effective Programs Initiative, a multitiered program evalu-
between program managers and independent evaluators.
ation strategy designed to disseminate findings of locally
produced evaluations of BJA-funded projects; stimulate
Concept Paper Submissions
program evaluations at the State and local levels through
evaluation capacity building, grant programs, and techni-
Applicants will be invited to submit concept papers ex-
cal assistance; and strengthen BJA's partnership with
plaining their evaluation proposals. Each concept paper
BJA World Wide Web Address
SAAs, practitioners, and researchers, as well as other Fed-
will contain five sections: (1) a description of the Byrne-
eral agencies. Under the Effective Programs Initiative, BJA
funded program to be evaluated; (2) an overview of the
For a copy of this document online,
will publish a series of publications, "Results and Findings
proposed evaluation (including the research design) and
From State and Local Evaluations," highlighting BJA pro-
as well as more information on BJA,
the role of all participating agencies and program person-
grams that have undergone evaluation at the State or local
check the BJA Home Page at
nel; (3) the applicant's written assurances; (4) a qualifica-
level. The first monograph in the series, Improving the
tions statement for the staff and evaluation team, along
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
Nation's Criminal Justice Systems, was recently released.
with a management and implementation plan, including
task timetables and products; and (5) an assurance that
Another component of the Effective Programs Initiative is
the applicant's total funding contribution is, at minimum,
BJA's State Evaluation Development Program, which pro-
equivalent to BJA's contribution. Concept papers, which
vides technical assistance to jurisdictions needing direct
are limited to 10 pages, are rated by a peer review team of
help with capacity building. Evaluation technical assis-
evaluators, administrators, and program managers.
tance and training for State and local practitioners, usu-
Awards are made by the Director of BJA on the basis of
ally focused on specific program areas, is delivered in
peer review assessments, geographical representation,
regional workshops, single-State settings, and multi-
and other considerations.
State workshops. A major new project is under way to
develop an Electronic Roadmap for Evaluation for pro-
enhance evaluation capacity at State and local levels. In FY
For Further Information
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse staff are
gram managers, researchers and evaluators, and local
1998, BJA will announce its second solicitation. Through a
available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To receive further information about the Byrne Evalua-
practitioners. Through this World Wide Web site, a new
competitive process, BJA will make awards to SAAs that
eastern time. Ask to be placed on the BJA mailing list.
tion Partnership Program, contact Robert A. Kirchner,
addition to BJA's home page, BJA will provide direct
have forged partnerships with local evaluators. BJA will
Ph.D., program manager, at 202-616-3455. Copies of
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
access to an automated, comprehensive handbook cov-
publish the findings as a major outcome of the program.
the announcement are available on the BJA home page
P.O. Box 6000
ering all evaluation topics to be completed in 1998. The
In FY 1997, BJA made 15 awards under the Byrne Evalua-
at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA.
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
site will contain extensive new material, examples, and
tion Partnership Program, which involved the participation
1-800-688-4252
resources, and plans are in the works to provide its con-
For additional information about other BJA programs,
of 17 States. A total of 85 individual programs will be
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
tents in a CD-ROM version for distribution to State and
contact the U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
evaluated, as will the statewide impact of the Byrne pro-
local planners, program managers, and evaluators.
at 1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480. Response Center
gram. The 15 awards are highlighted in the following table:
staff are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to
FY 1998 Solicitation
5 p.m. eastern time.
FS000200
March 1998
In its first year, the Byrne Evaluation Partnership Program
was very successful in meeting BJA's long-range goals to
FY 1997 Byrne Evaluation Partnership Program Awards
Applicant
Description of Project
Federal
Length of Project
Contribution ($)
(Months)
California
Impact evaluation of Operation Revitalization in San Francisco
133,000
24
Colorado
Impact evaluation of the Therapeutic Community Program
150,000
36
for Sex Offenders in Prison
Delaware
Evaluation of four demonstration programs operating in the State
86,000
18
Florida
Comprehensive evaluation to determine the impact of Byrne funds
146,000
24
through two different approaches
lowa
Impact evaluation of the Polk County Drug Court
50,000
24
Maryland
Process evaluation of Maryland's 35 "Hot Spots" Community Initiatives
150,000
30
Massachusetts
Evaluation of the Essex County District Attorney's Life Literacy Program
76,000
27
Montana, Idaho,
Three States will form a partnership to evaluate nine alternative
25,000
24
Alaska
detention programs
New York
Process evaluation of the Youth Court Program
150,000
18
North Carolina
Impact evaluation of Juvenile Day Treatment Centers
38,000
18
Ohio
Evaluation of four Byrne-funded programs in Mahoning County to
75,000
24
determine their countywide impact
Oregon
Impact evaluation of 16 juvenile delinquency programs in primary
150,000
36
and secondary schools
Pennsylvania
Process and impact evaluations of restrictive immediate sanctions
100,000
18
and Philadelphia drug court programs
Utah
Evaluation of a juvenile drug court, a nonresidential sex offender
99,000
36
treatment program, and the Salt Lake Electronic Diversion and
Work Program
Wisconsin
Evaluation of treatment programs in two jails and employment
150,000
36
reentry programs in three jails
2
3
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Bulletin
Nancy E. Gist, Director
Responding to the Community: Principles for
Planning and Creating a Community Court
by John Feinblatt and Greg Berman, Center for Court Innovation
For many years an important element has been
justice system and with stakeholders in the com-
missing from the criminal justice system. Although
munity such as residents, merchants, churches, and
courts, police, and prosecutors have become in-
schools, and testing new and aggressive ap-
creasingly modernized in recent years, they still
proaches to public safety rather than merely re-
often fail to meet the needs of the justice system's
sponding to crime.
primary consumers: the neighborhoods that expe-
This bulletin is a guide for community justice
rience crime and its consequences every day.
planners, particularly those interested in court re-
This problem was first recognized by advocates
form. Using the Midtown Community Court in
of community policing, who argued that police
New York City as a case study, the bulletin pre-
officers could address neighborhood crime and
sents a set of common principles for community
disorder more effectively if they established a
courts. These principles are offered not as a pre-
close relationship with community residents and
scription for what ails the criminal justice system,
neighborhood groups. The idea of community
but rather as a starting point for further planning
justice has since spread to other branches of the
efforts. Establishing these principles is vital to the
justice system including courts, probation depart-
success of any community court project, but the
ments, prosecutors, and corrections offices.
Bureau of Justice Assistance recognizes that indi-
viduals in communities guiding these ambitious
efforts also need concrete information about the
A judge can be a marvelous.force in the
obstacles encountered in the New York experiment.
community
When citizens that justice
The Midtown experiment was born of a profound
is done, it makes such a difference
frustration with quality-of-life crime in the neigh-
borhood, particularly prostitution, vandalism, and
Janet Reno Attorney General of the United States
low-level drug offenses, but these same condi-
tions may not fuel the creation of community
courts in other neighborhoods. Community courts
What is community justice? The concept takes
are not effective when implemented as cookie-
many practical forms, but at its core are partner-
cutter models; to be effective each must meet the
ship and problem solving. Community justice is
needs of its neighborhood.
about creating new relationships both within the
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bulletin
Nancy E. Gist, Director
The BJA Firearms Trafficking Program:
Demonstrating Effective Strategies
To Control Violent Crime
by John Veen, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Stacie Dunbar, Melissa Reuland, and John Stedman, Police Executive Research Forum
There is consensus throughout the United States that
within State borders, interstate trafficking is also com-
violence involving firearms has reached epidemic pro-
mon along certain corridors. In these cases, firearms
portions. According to the 1994 Uniform Crime Re-
traffickers travel to States with lax firearms laws and
ports (UCR) compiled by the Federal Bureau of
purchase weapons. They then return to their State of
Investigation (FBI), nearly one-third of violent crimes
residence and sell, trade, or distribute the firearms to
in the United States are firearms related. In 1994, 69.6
criminal associates for as much as five to six times their
percent of UCR-reported murders were firearms related.
original price. Trafficking is also practiced by unscru-
In 1994, the Chicago Police Department recovered
pulous firearms dealers who knowingly sell firearms to
more than 22,300 firearms used in crimes. That same
prohibited purchasers, drug dealers, nonresidents, and
year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD)
straw purchasers (individuals who purchase firearms for
recovered more than 13,000 firearms, including 6 auto-
other individuals who cannot legally possess them).
matic weapons, and the Washington, D.C., Metropoli-
Although it is difficult to develop a definition of firearms
tan Police Department recovered 5,886 firearms, of
trafficking that encompasses all possible circumstances,
which 2,596 (or 44.1 percent) were used in crimes.
firearms trafficking is broadly defined as the acquisition
Each year, thousands of firearms are stolen from private
of firearms for the purpose of making them available to
citizens, firearms dealers, firearms manufacturers, and
criminals or to other people who reside in areas where
interstate shipments. As of July 1994, the National
State and local laws limit the availability of firearms.
Crime Information Center database has listed more than
Why BJA Created This Program
2,234,000 stolen firearms. Stolen and illegally obtained
firearms are recovered from a wide variety of sources-
The Firearms Trafficking Program was created by the
violent crime scenes, narcotics traffickers, and even
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in fiscal year 1993
from children at schools.
to address the firearms trafficking problem in the United
Traffickers play a significant role in making illegal fire-
States. The program is designed to help State and local
arms available to those with criminal intent. Firearms
governments reduce incidents of violent crime by re-
trafficking has become a very profitable venture for
ducing the availability and illegal trafficking of firearms.
individuals willing to assume the risk of criminal
The program currently provides funding support for nine
prosecution in exchange for monetary (or some other)
demonstration projects and the Interstate Firearms Traf-
reward. While firearms are most frequently trafficked
ficking Compact, which are described in this BJA Bulletin.
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist. Director
Boys & Girls (B&G) Clubs of America
Boys & Girls (B&G) Clubs of America is a nationwide
major initiative to establish new clubs in public housing
network of 1,700 affiliated Boys & Girls Clubs serving
communities nationwide. A subsequent 3-year indepen-
2.2 million school-age boys and girls. B&G Clubs help
dent study conducted by Columbia University confirmed
children from all backgrounds develop the qualities
that B&G Clubs in public housing have a significant im-
needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. The
pact on juvenile crime (reduced 13 percent), drug activ-
B&G Club mission hinges on positive partnerships be-
ity (reduced 22 percent). and the presence of crack
tween young people and concerned adults, between B&G
cocaine (reduced 25 percent). The study also found that
Clubs and their supporters, and between the national or-
the clubs improved the overall quality of life for the
ganization and local clubs. Special concern is shown for
children and families who reside in public housing.
youth from disadvantaged circumstances.
Through cooperative agreement grants in 1992, 1993. and
From its national headquarters in Atlanta and five Re-
1994, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the U.S.
gional Service Centers in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los
Department of Justice provided $7.2 million to B&G
Angeles, and Atlanta, B&G Clubs of America provides
Clubs of America to support the establishment of new
onsite technical assistance and guidance to local commu-
clubs in public housing and other at-risk communities and
nities in establishing new B&G Clubs. The network also
to enhance and strengthen existing club programs through
provides continuing support for established clubs to help
violence prevention and reduction, educational and health
ensure their stability, effectiveness. and growth.
programs, and youth leadership development. During this
time, BJA funding resulted in the establishment of 31 new
Background
B&G Clubs, 27 of which are in public housing; training
Officially founded in 1906, B&G Clubs of America has
and technical assistance to 98 B&G Clubs to develop and
club facilities and programs in each of the 50 States,
implement violence prevention strategies; improved and
Puerto Rico. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Primarily lo-
strengthened health and education initiatives in 21 B&G
cated in communities and areas where children are the
Clubs: and a national youth leadership conference for
most disadvantaged, B&G Clubs have provided at-risk
1,300 teenaged club members. BJA funding during this
girls and boys with a full and fair opportunity to lead
3-year period enabled B&G Clubs of America to reach
productive, meaningful lives. Although B&G Clubs of
and serve 46,700 girls and boys.
America was not incorporated until 1906 by the 53 clubs
existing at that time, it has served youngsters since
Key Program Elements
1865. The network has provided technical support and
B&G Clubs help their members build self-esteem, ac-
organizational assistance to communities, establishing
quire honest values, and pursue productive futures. The
new clubs at the rate of 125 per year for the past 7 years.
clubs achieve these goals by providing the following ba-
sic resources to club members:
In 1987. recognizing that young people in public hous-
ing are at high risk for alcohol and other drug use, health
A safe haven away from the negative influences
problems, pregnancy, crime, violence, delinquency, and
of the street.
failure in school, B&G Clubs of America launched a
Guidance, discipline, and values modeling from
Club Activities
caring adult leaders.
In addition 10 extensive onsite consultations and regional
Constructive youth development activities and
programs in supervised supportive environments.
training events, B&G Clubs of America develops, pre-
pares, and distributes detailed program models and
Access to comprehensive, coordinated services
guides to local clubs. Now numbering more than 25,
that meet the complex needs of youth at risk.
these programs include:
Educational support, increased awareness of
career options, and goal-setting skills.
Alcohol, drug, and pregnancy prevention-
SMART Moves and SMART Kids.
A comprehensive violence prevention initiative.
A future vision of life beyond public housing.
Career exploration-Broader Horizons, Job
Search Club, One With One, and Goals for
Growth.
Depending on the community resources available and
the particular community needs and dynamics, programs
Citizenship and leadership-Youth of the Year,
and services vary among individual clubs. Programs of-
Keystone Clubs. and Torch Clubs.
ten include supplementary education. health and fitness,
Cultural enrichment-National Photography
drug abuse prevention, teen pregnancy education and
Contest, Fine Arts Exhibit Program, and Epstein
prevention, career exploration. arts and crafts, leadership
Scholarship Program.
development, community service, and environmental
Delinquency and gang prevention-Delin-
awareness. Although specific programs and services
quency Prevention Through Targeted Outreach
and Gang Prevention Through Targeted Outreach.
may vary, B&G Clubs have the following features in
common. All clubs are:
Education-Power Hour!, Bo Knows Challenge.
and Michael Jordan Essay Challenge.
Designed for school-age girls and boys of all
Environmental education-The Ultimate
races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds, with no
Journey.
personal recommendations or proof of character
required for membership.
Health, sports, and fitness-The Body Works,
Jump Rope Challenge, Basketball Spot Shot
Building centered, with 1,700 facilities ranging
Challenge, Workout Challenge, Sir Thomas J.
from 1,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet in
Lipton Sportsmanship Award, and Sectional
size, open to all members during normal hours of
Tournaments.
operation. and designed to satisfy the age-old
desire of children to have a "club" of their own.
Milestones
Most B&G Clubs are open 5 to 6 days per week,
4 or 5 hours a day.
In 1994, B&G Clubs of America reached a landmark by
Staffed with full-time youth-work professionals,
serving 2.2 million youths nationwide in 1,672 clubs,
supplemented by part-time workers and volun-
270 of which are in public housing areas. Club outreach
teers, who emphasize positive values in the
efforts have been extended to military families and In-
relationships club members have both with each
dian reservations, with services being offered in school
other and with their adult leaders.
buildings and shopping malls. Partnerships have been
Geared to help girls and boys make appropriate
established with concerned corporations; private founda-
and satisfying choices in their physical, educa-
tions; government agencies, such as BJA, the Office of
tional, personal, social, emotional, vocational,
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the
and spiritual lives.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
Committed to quality through evaluation, plan-
and caring individuals, including club alumni.
ning, and management.
For Further Information
When needed, even during non-club hours, B&G Club
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
staff are available to members in the event of emergen-
1230 West Peachtree Street NW.
cies that may require special attention.
Atlanta, GA 30309-3447
Boys and girls "join" their local B&G Club by complet-
1-404-815-5751
ing a simple membership application and paying an an-
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
nual membership fee that ranges from $1 to $5-always
1-800-688-4252
low enough SO that any youngster can afford to join.
FS000106
October 1995
2
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
BULK RATE
Office of Justice Programs
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Permit No. G-91
Washington, D.C. 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
Prison Industry Enhancement Certification
Program
Purpose
program participants for compliance with program re-
quirements and provide onsite and, in some cases. tele-
The Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE) Certification
phone technical assistance in areas lacking program
Program exempts State and local certified departments
compliance. CIA provides additional technical assistance
of corrections from normal restrictions on the sale of
by responding to specific requests for substantive help
prisoner-made goods in interstate commerce. In addi-
from participating jurisdictions; by providing program
tion, the program lifts existing restrictions on these cer-
information to government agencies, private sector com-
tified corrections departments, permitting them to sell
panies, journalists, professional business and labor orga-
prisoner-made goods to the Federal government in
nizations, and others interested in the program; by
amounts exceeding the $10,000 maximum normally
offering periodic training to program participants; and by
imposed on such transactions.
helping to shape program policy through development of
The PIE Certification Program was created by Congress
program guidelines, quarterly program data summaries,
in 1979 to encourage States and units of local govern-
and other documents in response to program needs.
ment to establish employment opportunities for prison-
The PIE Certification Program has two primary objec-
ers that approximate private sector work opportunities.
tives:
The program is designed to place inmates in a realistic
working environment, pay them the local prevailing
To generate products and services that enable
wage for similar work. and enable them to acquire mar-
prisoners to make a contribution to society, help
ketable skills to increase their potential for successful
offset the cost of their incarceration. compensate
rehabilitation and meaningful employment upon release.
crime victims, and provide inmate family support.
To provide a means of reducing prison idleness,
A total of 50 jurisdictions may be certified under the
increasing inmate job skills, and improving the
PIE Certification Program. Each certified program must
prospects for successful inmate transition to the
be determined by the Director of the Bureau of Justice
community upon release.
Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, to meet
statutory and guideline requirements. as listed in the
Authority
section of this fact sheet called "Mandatory Criteria for
The PIE Certification Program originally was authorized
Program Participation."
under the Justice System Improvement Act of 1979 (P.L.
BJA administers the PIE Certification Program through
96-157. Sec. 827) and later expanded under the Justice
its Corrections Branch. The Correctional Industries
Assistance Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-473, Sec. 819). The
Association (CIA). the professional organization for
Crime Control Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-647) authorizes
prison industry employees. provides technical assistance
continuation of the program indefinitely.
services to the program. Under a grant from BJA, the CIA
staff of volunteer correctional industry professionals audit
Program Benefits
or administrative authority for crime victim
dustry programs are eligible to apply for program certi-
Tel: 1-215-242-9520
compensation/assistance programs to accept such
fication.
The PIE Certification Program allows private industry to
For further information about the PIE Certification
financial contributions.
establish joint ventures with State and local correctional
As of June 30, 1995, the following 36 jurisdictions have
Program, contact:
7. Written proof of consultation with organized
agencies to produce goods using prison labor. The pro-
labor and local private industry before PIE
been certified under the program: Alaska; Arizona:
Corrections Branch
gram benefits:
Certification Program startup.
California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida:
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Hawaii; Idaho; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Louisiana;
The corrections administrator. The program is
633 Indiana Avenue NW.
Allowable Wage Deductions
Maine: Maryland; Minnesota; Missouri; Montana; Ne-
a cost-effective way to occupy a portion of the
Washington. DC 20531
braska; Belknap County, New Hampshire; Stafford
ever-growing prison population.
Corrections departments may take a series of deductions
Tel: 1-202-514-6236
County. New Hampshire: Nevada; New Mexico; North
The innocent crime victim. The program
from wages earned by prisoners. Permissible deductions
Carolina; Oklahoma; Oregon: Red River County, Texas;
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
provides a means of partial repayment for harm
are limited to room and board, taxes (Federal, State,
South Carolina; South Dakota: Tennessee: Texas; Utah:
P.O. Box 6000
sustained.
FICA, etc.), family support. and crime victim compen-
Vermont; Virginia; Washington State; and Wisconsin.
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
The prisoner. The program offers a chance to
sation/assistance. Deductions must not total more than
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
work, to meet financial obligations, to increase
80 percent of gross wages. (Deductions for crime victim
For Further Information
Fax: 1-301-251-5212
job skills, and thus, potentially, to increase the
compensation/assistance programs are mandatory under
Bulletin Board System: 1-301-738-8895
likelihood of meaningful employment upon
the PIE Certification Program guidelines; deductions for
For information about technical assistance and training.
release from incarceration.
Internet: [email protected]
taxes are required under U.S. tax law; and deductions for
contact:
The private sector. The program provides a
room and board and family support are permissible at the
PIE Coordinator
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
stable and readily available workforce. In addi-
discretion of the certified jurisdiction.)
Tel: 1-800-421-6770
Correctional Industries Association
tion, many correctional agencies provide manu-
facturing space at greatly reduced rates to private
Total wage deductions collected-During the period
522 E. Durham Street
sector companies involved in the program.
December 1979 through June 1995, jurisdictions partici-
Philadelphia, PA 19119
The public. Because of inmate worker contribu-
pating in the program have collected the following
tions to room and board, family support, victims'
amounts:
compensation, and taxes, the program provides a
Contributions to victims' programs
$ 3,644,557
way to reduce the escalating cost of crime.
Room and board deductions
10,458,796
Mandatory Criteria for
Family support deductions
3,449,218
Program Participation
All taxes withheld
6,111,483
Corrections departments wishing to participate in the
Total Deductions:
$23,664,054
PIE Certification Program must meet all seven of the
following criteria:
Program Certification Process
1. Legislative authority to pay wages at a rate not
Interested corrections departments may request a PIE
less than that paid for similar work in the same
Certification Program Application from BJA. With the
locality's private sector.
application, applicants must submit written proof (includ-
2. Written assurances that the PIE Certification
ing copies of legislation and/or administrative rulings, as
Program will not result in the displacement of
appropriate) that they meet all mandatory program crite-
workers employed before program implemen-
ria. After reviewing and approving an application, BJA
tation.
formally notifies the jurisdiction that it has been certified
3. The authority to provide worker benefits, includ-
to participate in the program. Certified jurisdictions agree
ing Worker's Compensation or its equivalent.
to enforce program requirements. Certification may be
4. The authority to involve the private sector in the
terminated if a jurisdiction is determined to be out of
production and sale of prisoner-made goods.
compliance with any of the mandatory program criteria,
5. Written assurances that inmate participation is
or if the certification is unused for 6 months or longer.
voluntary.
6. Legislative or administrative authority to
Eligibility
collect and provide financial contributions (of
All States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth
not less than 5 percent and not more than 20
of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands. and all units of local
percent of gross wages) to crime victim com-
pensation/assistance programs, and legislative
government authorized by law to administer prison in-
FS000046
November 1995
2
3
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
National White Collar
Crime Center
Background
The National White Collar Crime Center, through fund-
ing from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the
The Center's predecessor, the Leviticus Project, was ini-
U.S. Department of Justice provides national support for
tially formed by 14 agencies from 7 States that were ex-
the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of white
periencing a high incidence of criminal activity in the
collar and economic crimes. The Center is headquar-
Appalachian coal industry. The project expanded in
tered in Richmond, Virginia, and has a training and re-
1987 and 1988 to cover criminal activity in the oil, natu-
search institute associated with West Virginia University
ral gas, and precious-metals industries. In 1992, BJA
in Morgantown, West Virginia. Center staff include en-
mandated a broader scope of activities to include all
forcement analysts, intelligence technicians, research
white-collar and economic crime, and, with Leviticus
analysts, computer crime specialists, and training coor-
Project participation, the Center was founded.
dinators.
Program Services
The Center's mission is to maintain a formally struc-
tured national support system for State and local law en-
The Center provides a number of no-cost services to its
forcement and regulatory agency members and to
members, including:
facilitate multi-State investigations of white-collar and
Information sharing-Computerized databases
economic crimes. These crimes include, but are not lim-
maintained by the Center disseminate case and
ited to, investment fraud, telemarketing fraud, boiler
investigative information on individuals and organi-
room operations, securities fraud, commodities fraud,
zations suspected of involvement in economic
and advanced-fee loan schemes.
crimes. Analytical services are conducted by center
The Center operates under the direction of an elected
staff trained in areas such as financial analysis,
board of directors, and has a membership composed of
check analysis, qualitative compilations, and
background information gathering for specific
State and local law enforcement, prosecution, and regu-
member agency investigations.
latory agency professionals with criminal investigative
Case funding-Limited financial assistance is
authority. The Center operates under BJA funding
provided to selected multijurisdictional member
guidelines and meets the requirements for operating a
agency investigations.
criminal information pointer database, as established in
28 CFR Part 23.
Training and research-The Center operates a
For Further Information
national training and research institute that serves as
a national resource in combating economic crime by
To learn more about the National White Collar Crime
developing partnerships with public and private
Center, contact:
agencies to address white-collar crime. Training
The National White Collar Crime Center
sessions covering a range of white collar crime
Suite 450
issues are held at the Center and at locations around
the country for white collar crime investigators and
1001 Boulders Parkway
prosecutors. Some of these training sessions are
Richmond, VA 23225-5513
open to nonmembers for a fee. For additional
Tel: 1-800-221-4424 or
information about Center training sessions, refer to
1-804-323-3563
the address and telephone number listed in the "For
Further Information" section below.
Discretionary Grants Program Division
Bureau of Justice Assistance
As consultant to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
633 Indiana Avenue NW.
Bureau of Consumer Protection, the Center analyzes in-
Washington, DC 20531
formation on telemarketing frauds stored in the FTC's
Tel: 1-202-514-5943
automated database. The Center provides other research
services as well.
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 6000
Program Accomplishments
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
Between January 1, 1989, and June 30, 1995, member
Fax: 1-301-251-5212
agency cases assisted by Center services resulted in the
Bulletin Board System: 1-301-738-8895
following recoveries:
Internet: [email protected]
$29 million in assessed fines.
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
$349 million in ordered restitution.
Tel: 1-800-421-6770
$4 million in recovered property.
$330 million referred to the IRS from tax fraud
cases.
FS000120
November 1995
2
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
the circumstances of the death or permanent and total
Bureau of Justice Assistance
disability support a benefit payment. The public safety
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
agency prepares a Report of Public Safety Officer's
810 Seventh Street NW.
Death or Permanent and Total Disability Claim Form to
Washington, DC 20531
accompany the claim for death benefits completed by
Tel: 202-307-0635
the eligible survivor(s) or, in the case of disability
Toll Free: 1-888-SIGNL13 (744-6513)
completed by the injured officer. BJA will determine
Internet: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/
whether and to whom a benefit should be paid.
BIA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
claims, the prerequisite disability certification package
Fax: 202-307-3373
Fact Sheet
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
For Further Information
P.O. Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
Nancy E. Gist, Director
For more information about the Public Safety Officers'
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
Benefits Program or to share your observations and rec-
Fax: 301-519-5212
ommendations, please contact:
Internet: [email protected]
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
Tel: 1-800-421-6770
FS000066
History
The PSOB Act was designed to offer peace of mind to
November 1996
men and women seeking careers in public safety and to
Revised November 1997
The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Act (42
make a strong statement about the value American soci-
U.S.C. 3796, et seq.) was enacted in 1976 to assist in the
ety places on the contributions of those who serve their
recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers
communities in potentially dangerous circumstances.
and firefighters. Specifically, Congress was concerned
that the hazards inherent in law enforcement and fire
The resultant PSOB Program, which is administered by
suppression and the low level of State and local death
the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), presents a
benefits might discourage qualified individuals from
unique opportunity for the U.S. Department of Justice;
U.S. Department of Justice
BULK RATE
seeking careers in these fields, thus hampering the abil-
Federal, State, and local public safety agencies; and na-
Office of Justice Programs
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
ity of communities to provide for public safety.
tional public safety organizations to become involved in
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Permit No. G-91
Washington. DC 20531
PSOB Service Standards Commitment
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
The mission of the PSOB staff is to assist public
will use medicolegal experts and independent legal
safety officers, their agencies, and their families be-
analyses from outside the PSOB Program.
fore, during, and after a tragedy occurs. Three core
values guide our daily operations and measure our
To provide our services in the most sensitive and
performance. They are:
professional manner, PSOB staff receive training on
key issues associated with grief, critical incident
We will respond rapidly and accurately to
stress, and posttraumatic stress disorder. We also so-
PSOB death and disability benefits claims.
licit and use information provided to us on the tone
We will be humane in our support of public
and impact of our verbal and written communication
safety officers, their agencies, and their
with the public safety field.
families.
We will seek and pursue opportunities to
One example of the PSOB Program giving more to
expand our assistance to the public safety
the field is a series of regional training sessions con-
field.
ducted to help law enforcement agencies prepare for
the loss of an officer. It is essential that all public
To improve our response time, we continuously as-
safety agencies be prepared to effectively assist the
sess our allocation of staff and organizational pro-
family, fellow officers, and the community to move
cesses. We will respond to the public safety field
forward in the aftermath of a tragedy.
within 2 weeks once an eligible death benefits case is
complete, within 4 weeks once an ineligible death
Our commitment to support the public safety com-
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
benefits case is complete, and within 6 weeks once a
munity has never been stronger, and it will continue
Fact Sheet
disability case is complete. To ensure accuracy, we
to grow.
promoting the protection of public safety officers before
for line of duty deaths occurring on or after
Survivors Eligible for Program Death
PSOB benefits do not cover death or permanent and to-
tragedies occur. Each year. the PSOB Program receives
October 15, 1986.
Benefits
tal disability resulting from stress; strain; occupational
substantial information about line of duty deaths that is
Disability Benefits
illness; or a chronic, progressive, or congenital disease
used to enhance public safety officer training. The
Once BJA approves a claim for death benefits, the ben-
(such as heart or pulmonary disease), unless there is a
PSOB Program also encourages public safety agencies
Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers,
efit will be paid to eligible survivors in a lump sum, as
traumatic injury that is a substantial contributing factor
to adopt model policies that can help guide an agency
firefighters, and members of public rescue squads and
follows:
in the death or permanent and total disability. Medical
through the tragic event of a line of duty death.
ambulance crews are covered for catastrophic personal
If there are no surviving children of the deceased
proof of the traumatic injury (such as a blood test for
injuries sustained on or after November 29, 1990. The
officer, to the surviving spouse.
carbon monoxide poisoning) may be necessary for cov-
PSOB Program Benefits
public safety officer must be separated from his or her
If there is a surviving child or children and a
erage in these cases.
employing agency for medical reasons, and must be re-
The PSOB Program provides a onetime financial benefit
surviving spouse, one-half to the child or to the
ceiving the maximum allowable disability compensation
to the eligible survivors of public safety officers whose
children in equal shares and one-half to the
Reduction of Benefits
from his or her jurisdiction, in order to initiate a claim for
deaths are the direct and proximate result of a traumatic
surviving spouse.
PSOB disability benefits. Eligible officers may include
The PSOB Program benefit is reduced by certain pay-
injury sustained in the line of duty. The benefit was in-
If there is no surviving spouse, to the child or in
ments made under the District of Columbia Code and
persons who are comatose. in a persistent vegetative
creased from $50,000 to $100,000 for deaths occurring
equal shares to the children.
state, or quadriplegic.
may itself reduce benefits under Section 8191 of the
on or after June 1, 1988. Since October 15, 1988, the
If none of the above apply, to the parent or in
Federal Employees' Compensation Act. However, State
benefit has been adjusted each year on October I to re-
Public Safety Officers Eligible for
equal shares to the parents.
and local benefits must not be reduced by benefits re-
flect the percentage of change in the Consumer Price
PSOB Program Benefits
Under the PSOB Act, child is defined as any natural
ceived under the PSOB Act, and the PSOB benefit is not
Index. For fiscal year 1998, the benefit is $141,556.
child who was born before or after the death of the pub-
reduced by any benefit received at the State or local
Under the PSOB Program, a public safety officer is a
The PSOB Program provides the same benefit to public
lic safety officer, or who is an adopted child or stepchild
level.
person serving a public agency in an official capacity,
safety officers who have been permanently and totally
of the deceased public safety officer. At the time of
with or without compensation, as a law enforcement of-
death. the child must be 18 years of age or younger; or
Interim Payment
disabled by a catastrophic personal injury sustained in
ficer, firefighter, or member of a public rescue squad or
the line of duty if that injury permanently prevents the
19 through 22 years of age and pursuing a full-time
If BJA determines an urgent claimant need before the
ambulance crew. Law enforcement officers include, but
officer from performing any gainful work. Medical re-
course of study or training, if the child has not already
are not limited to, police, corrections, probation, parole,
final action of paying a death benefit, an interim benefit
tirement for a line of duty disability does not, in and of
completed 4 years of education beyond high school; or
and judicial officers. Volunteer firefighters and members
payment not exceeding $3,000 may be made to the eli-
itself, establish eligibility for PSOB benefits.
19 years or older and incapable of self-support due to a
gible survivor(s) if it is probable that the death is com-
of volunteer rescue squads and ambulance crews are
physical or mental disability.
Since 1977, on average, the PSOB Program has received
covered under the program if they are officially recog-
pensable.
275 benefit claims each year for line of duty deaths of
nized or designated members of legally organized volun-
For PSOB Program benefits to be paid, a public safety
public safety officers. PSOB Program staff respond rap-
teer fire departments, rescue squads, or ambulance
officer must be survived by an eligible survivor; public
Attachment and Tax Exemption
idly and with sensitivity to requests for assistance from
safety officers cannot predesignate their beneficiaries.
crews.
PSOB death and disability benefits are not subject to execu-
claimants and public safety agencies. They also provide
A public agency is defined as the United States; any
PSOB Program Limitations and
tion or attachment by creditors. The Internal Revenue
moral support and, when necessary, referrals to organi-
Service (IRS) has ruled that the benefit is not subject to
U.S. State: the District of Columbia; the Commonwealth
Exclusions
zations such as Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)
Federal income tax (IRS Ruling No. 77-235, IRS 1977-
of Puerto Rico: any U.S. territory or possession; any unit
and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF),
No PSOB Program benefit can be paid:
28) or to Federal estate tax (IRS Ruling No. 79-397).
of local government; any combination of such States or
which can provide long-term support for surviving fam-
units: and any department, agency, or instrumentality of
If the death or permanent and total disability was
ily members and coworkers of deceased public safety
Attorneys' Fees
the foregoing. To be eligible for benefits, a public safety
caused by the intentional misconduct of the
officers.
officer's death or total and permanent disability must
public safety officer or if the officer intended to
The PSOB Act authorizes BJA to establish the maxi-
PSOB Program Effective Dates
result from injuries sustained in the line of duty. Line of
bring about his or her own death or permanent
mum fee that may be charged for services rendered to
duty is defined in the PSOB regulations (28 CFR 32) as
and total disability.
the claimant by another party in connection with any
The effective dates for PSOB Program benefits are as
any action that the public safety officer whose primary
If the public safety officer was voluntarily
PSOB claim filed with BJA. Contracts for a stipulated
follows:
function is crime control or reduction, enforcement of
intoxicated at the time of death or permanent and
fee and contingent fee arrangements are prohibited by
the criminal law, or suppression of fires is authorized or
total disability.
PSOB regulations (28 CFR 32.22(b)). BJA assumes no
Death Benefits
obligated by law, rule. regulation, or condition of em-
If the public safety officer was performing his or
responsibility for payment of claimant attorney fees (28
State and local law enforcement officers and
ployment or service to perform. Other public safety of-
her duties in a grossly negligent manner at the
CFR 32.22(d)).
firefighters are covered for line of duty deaths
ficers-whose primary function is not law enforcement
time of death or permanent and total disability.
occurring on or after September 29, 1976.
or fire suppression-must be engaged in their autho-
To a claimant whose actions were a substantial
Filing a Claim
Federal law enforcement officers and firefighters
rized law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue squad, or
contributing factor to the death of the public
Eligible survivors or disability claimants may file claims
are covered for line of duty deaths occurring on
ambulance duties when the fatal or disabling injury is
safety officer.
directly with BJA or through the public safety agency,
or after October 12, 1984.
sustained.
To noncivilian members of the military serving as
organization, or unit in which the public safety officer
Members of Federal. State, and local public
law enforcement officers, firefighters, or rescue
served. In most cases, the public safety agency provides
rescue squads and ambulance crews are covered
squad or ambulance crew members, or to any of
BJA with sufficient information to determine whether
their survivors.
2
3
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
Organized Crime Narcotics Trafficking
Enforcement Program
Despite longstanding efforts to overcome organized
move specifically targeted major conspirators through
crime narcotics trafficking, the enormous profits derived
the processes of investigation, arrest, prosecution, and
from these illicit activities make their control one of the
conviction. This goal is accomplished through shared
greatest challenges facing American law enforcement
management of resources and joint operational
personnel today. Developing successful cases against
decisionmaking.
narcotics trafficking conspirators requires the effective
The program employs two strategies:
use of investigative expertise and innovative techniques.
Successful cases often result when skilled Federal,
Promotion of a multiagency enforcement re-
State, and local investigators and prosecutors combine
sponse and prosecutorial plan that targets major
their resources in planned and coordinated enforcement
narcotics trafficking conspiracies operating across
actions.
multiple jurisdictions.
Establishment of a formal mechanism through
Major conspiracies typically span jurisdictional bound-
which investigative and prosecutorial resources can
aries, requiring multiple agencies to successfully inves-
be allocated, focused, and managed on a shared
tigate and prosecute offenders. Individual agencies often
basis against targeted offenses and offenders.
lack the capability to assemble and exchange intelli-
Critical to the success of the OCN Program is a manage-
gence about these conspiracies, allocate resources effec-
ment system that shares direction and administration of
tively. and coordinate enforcement efforts.
the joint law enforcement resources. Overall direction is
Accordingly, in response to both the significant number
shared equally by all participating law enforcement
of multijurisdictional narcotics trafficking conspiracies
agencies, and decisions regarding operations and admin-
and the shortcomings of many law enforcement re-
istration must be unanimously approved. Management
sponses, the Organized Crime Narcotics (OCN) Pro-
system procedures are implemented in the following or-
gram was created. The program was initially funded in
der:
late 1986 by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of
Criteria are established to identify, select, and
the U.S. Department of Justice, and was later awarded
prioritize investigative targets.
continuation funding. As a part of the BJA Discretionary
Cases are assigned to initiate the investigation
Grant Program, the OCN Program awards funds and
and subsequent prosecution.
provides training and technical assistance to law en-
For the duration of each case, the resources and
forcement agencies for the development and demonstra-
skills required in the investigative and prosecu-
tion of promising OCN initiatives.
torial processes are identified, acquired, and
assigned.
Key Program Elements
The OCN management system coordinates and
The goal of the OCN Program is to enhance the ability
monitors each case to ensure the proper timing of
of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to
investigative and prosecutorial activities and to
facilitate decisionmaking concerning case con-
OCN Resource Publication
tinuance, referral, redirection, and closure.
Expected OCN Program results, in addition to success-
The monograph Multijurisdictional Narcotics Enforce-
ful investigation and prosecution of major multijuris-
ment Task Forces: Lessons Learned From the OCN Pro-
dictional narcotics traffickers, include promotion of civil
gram Model has been prepared to assist Federal, State,
remedies; recovery of criminal assets; revocation of
and local law enforcement and prosecution agencies that
business licenses, corporate charters, and other certifica-
are joining forces and sharing resources to combat
tions held by criminal enterprises; reduction of frac-
multijurisdictional narcotics trafficking crimes. The
tional and duplicative investigations and prosecutions;
monograph describes the steps necessary to successfully
and cooperation and coordination of efforts with other
develop and implement a unique joint narcotics task force
related OCN and BJA-funded projects.
operation. Although only the OCN Program model is fea-
tured, the information presented should be useful to agen-
Training and Technical Assistance
cies conducting a wide range of multijurisdictional law
enforcement efforts. A copy of this publication (NCJ
In addition to funding the model demonstration projects,
138852) can be obtained from the BJA Clearinghouse at
BJA also provides technical assistance and training
the telephone number or address provided below.
workshops and seminars. The workshops and seminars
are coordinated and conducted for BJA by the Institute
For Further Information
for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) through the BJA-
funded Center for Task Force Training (CenTF) Pro-
For more information about the program or for registra-
tion information, contact:
gram. IIR is a nonprofit organization that specializes in
law enforcement and criminal justice issues. CenTF
Institute for Intergovernmental Research
offers a 3-day Multiagency Response Narcotics Work-
2888 Remington Green
shop that provides management-level training for nar-
P.O. Box 12729
cotics task force commanders, supervisors, and senior
Tallahassee, FL 32317
investigative personnel in the operation of a multiagency
Tel: 1-800-446-0912 or
task force. Working together in small teams, participants
1-904-385-0600
conduct practical exercises in all aspects of a multi-
For other program information, contact:
agency response to criminal activity. Training includes:
Task force dynamics and interagency agreements.
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 6000
Written policies and procedures.
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
Risk assessment.
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
Case management and use of confidential
Fax: 1-301-251-5212
informants.
Bulletin Board System: 1-301-738-8895
Raid management. problem solving, and practical
Internet: [email protected]
exercises.
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
In 1996, the Multiagency Response Narcotics Workshop
Tel: 1-800-421-6770
will be offered as follows:
May 6-8
Little Rock, AR
August 26-28
Cleveland, OH
October 21-23
Milwaukee, WI
FS000115
November 1995
2
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA World Wide Web Address
Fact Sheet
For a copy of this document online,
as well as more information on BJA,
check the BJA Home Page at
Nancy E. Gist, Director
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
Stopping Hate Crime: A Case History From
the Sacramento Police Department
Hate crime has struck fear in communities across
local television stations, claimed responsibility for the
America. In 1995 alone, nearly 8,000 incidents nation-
arsons-including the attempted arson of the Jewish
wide were reported to the Federal Bureau of Investiga-
temple and the burning of the NAACP offices-and
tion (FBI); 61 percent of those violent acts were
warned of further attacks.
motivated by racial bias. This fact sheet reports the ex-
periences of one community's battle to stop hate crime.
The Need for a Multiagency Task
It is based on a report submitted to the Bureau of Jus-
Force
tice Assistance by the Sacramento Police Department as
By early October 1993, media coverage of the arsonist
part of a grant to fund hate crime prevention efforts.
U.S. Department of Justice
had stirred widespread public fear, putting intense pres-
BULK RATE
Office of Justice Programs
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
Hate Crime in Sacramento, California
sure on local, State, and Federal officials to stop the
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
burnings. An informal team of investigators was formed
Permit No. G-91
Between July and October 1993, four arsons and three
following the first incidents (comprising detectives and
Washington. DC 20531
attempted arsons committed by a self-proclaimed white
patrol officers from the Sacramento Police Department,
separatist became the subject of intense media attention
Official Business
one FBI agent, lab technicians from the Bureau of Al-
Penalty for Private Use $300
and public concern in Sacramento, California. The first
cohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and arson investi-
incident was the attempted arson of a Jewish temple in
gators from the Sacramento Fire Department), but it
July. A few days later, the local office of the National
lacked the resources and strategic direction to respond
Association for the Advancement of Colored People
aggressively to the escalating situation.
(NAACP) was destroyed by fire. Neither organization
As the seriousness of the crimes became clear in the
had received threats prior to the attacks and no indi-
second wave of arsons, local, State, and Federal offi-
vidual or organization claimed responsibility. The in-
vestigation of the NAACP arson was exhaustive but
cials publicly committed to bringing more resources to
recovered little physical evidence that could identify a
bear in the investigation. The investigation now enjoyed
the support of officials from every level of government,
suspect.
but their conflicting demands on local police investiga-
After failed arson attempts in August and September,
tors began to fracture the investigation's focus. To be
the connection between the crimes and their motivation
effective, the Sacramento Police Department concluded,
by hate became alarmingly clear to investigators, the
those resources had to be funneled through an official
media, and residents of Sacramento when the arsonist
task force on hate crime directed by a strong local
used Molotov cocktails to ignite the offices of the Japa-
command.
nese American Citizens League and the State Office of
Fair Employment and Housing as well as the home of
Command of the task force's tactical field personnel
an Asian-American city councilman. Calling himself
was delegated to an operations lieutenant within the
Stopping Hate Crime
the "Aryan Liberation Front," the arsonist telephoned
Sacramento Police Department. He designed a response
Fact Sheet
plan in consultation with other members of the task
hate crime. With more experienced personnel and
the desire of community- and neighborhood-based
Select an individual to lead the task force who, in
force that included surveillance of potential targets and
dedicated equipment. a task force can investigate
groups to apprehend the perpetrators of hate crime
addition to being a superior tactical commander, is
deployment of tactical field teams to respond to new
incidents and leads more quickly than can a team
can be a powerful asset for law enforcement.
comfortable working with the media and sensitive
crimes and fleeing suspects.
assembled ad hoc. It can deploy more tactical units
Volunteers in Sacramento donated their time and
to the concerns of community members most
The task force developed a suspect profile of the arson-
to protect potential targets of attacks and implement
resources to investigate suspicious activity,
threatened by hate violence.
ist from locations he targeted, witness statements, and
strategies to stop perpetrators of hate crime before
control rumors, and post an award for information
Use community programs to raise public awareness
recordings of his voice. In November 1993, using the
they strike again.
on the case.
of hate crime and the individuals who commit it.
profile to conduct a computer search of white suprema-
Seek out every source of State and Federal law
Implement a tactical deployment plan immediately
Presentations to youth can help them understand
cists in the Sacramento area and information from a ju-
enforcement assistance in your community and
once investigators believe a suspect or organization
when they are victims of hate crime and when they
venile hall inmate, Sacramento police located and
make it available to the task force. In Sacramento.
will continue to commit hate crimes. The plan's
are engaging in criminal acts.
arrested an 18-year-old white male. Cloth found at the
the strong commitment made by local, State, and
most important objectives should be to identify
For More Information
suspect's home matched wicks recovered from several
Federal agencies in 1993 to collaborate on hate
possible suspects, prevent further crime, and
arson crime scenes and analyzed in the FBI's crime lab.
crime prevention has been the foundation of that
apprehend the individual or group during an overt
Publications and information on hate crime and com-
The suspect was later convicted on all counts of hate-
community's aggressive response to hate crime. For
criminal act.
munity law enforcement partnerships are available from
motivated arson.
example:
Protect the task force's investigative resources from
the Bureau of Justice Assistance. To order them or to
The quick arrest of a suspect once the task force began
The Sacramento Police Department used a
intrusion by high-level personnel who are not
find out about BJA-funded programs, contact these
a concerted operation under the leadership of the Sacra-
$100,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice
leading the investigation. All input into an investi-
offices:
mento Police Department showed conclusively that the
Assistance to deploy a sophisticated vehicle
gation from other agencies should flow through the
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
that permits close yet covert surveillance of
task force coordinator. Dedicate alternative re-
department's partnership with Federal agencies on or
supporting the task force dramatically improved its
hate crime suspects. The department also
sources to investigating questionable leads.
P.O. Box 6000
ability to investigate hate crime. The search for a sus-
purchased a geographical information system
Maintain the same tactical personnel on the task
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
with BJA grant money that has become an
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
pect benefited greatly from having immediate access to
force. The principal difficulty reported by the
indispensable visual aid for tactical command-
Fax: 301-251-5212
the Nation's most sophisticated crime laboratories and
tactical commander of the task force in Sacramento
databases. Federal assistance has also significantly en-
ers and their personnel. Task force investigators
was the time and energy he was forced to devote to
Bulletin Board System: 301-738-8895
hanced the Sacramento Police Department's monitoring
use the system to target locations and select
daily briefings of newly assigned personnel. The
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
of hate crime suspects-an important new law enforce-
areas of responsibility.
constant changing of personnel also hurt the
Clearinghouse staff are available Monday through Fri-
ment tool for local investigators that will prevent hate
The Federal Bureau of Investigation made
investigation by diminishing officers' insight into
day, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time. Ask them to place
crime in the future.
significant contributions to the 1993 Sacra-
the suspect's behavior.
you on the BJA mailing list.
mento investigation by canvassing crime scene
Ensure that firefighters make every effort to protect
Recommendations to Other
areas for witnesses, conducting out-of-town
Department of Justice Response Center
an arson's point of origin. The loss of evidence in
Communities Fighting Hate Crime
and out-of-State interviews, providing technical
the NAACP fire prompted the Sacramento Police
1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
assistance on tracing telephone calls and
The pitfalls and successes of investigating hate crime
Department to establish protocols with the Sacra-
acquiring other telephone information, and
Response Center staff are available Monday through
mento Fire Department to preserve future arson
experienced by Sacramento police investigators and
analyzing physical evidence in the FBI
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time.
their Federal, State, and local task force partners are
crime scenes for inspection by its arson investiga-
laboratory.
tors, the State fire marshal, and ATF arson experts.
common to law enforcement agencies across the Na-
The office of the California Attorney General
tion. The following recommendations are offered by the
Instruct officers arriving at the scene of a hate crime
analyzed the Sacramento arsons using a com-
Sacramento Police Department in the hope that they
to conduct an immediate search for victims and
puter program and provided the task force with
will help law enforcement agencies and the communi-
witnesses to the crime. The quality of information
names of possible suspects.
ties they serve respond more forcefully to hate crime
collected during the early stages of an investigation
DOJ investigators supporting the Sacramento
and use every resource at their disposal to prevent its
will greatly aid or hinder the success of followup
task force conducted out-of-State interviews
occurrence.
investigations.
and monitored calls made by the arsonist to
Train every patrol officer in the department to
local television stations.
recognize hate crime. Patrol officers must under-
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
stand and support a department's policies on hate
contributed expert arson investigators to the
crime and know how to respond when hate crime
task force, who examined arson scenes, col-
occurs.
lected evidence, and conducted state-of-the-art
Establish a multiagency task force in areas where
laboratory analysis.
hate crime occurs and give it the full support of
Encourage the participation of the community in
FS 000161
every elected official and law enforcement agency
the investigation. Hate crimes outrage community
involved in the investigation and prosecution of
January 1997
members as few events can. Used constructively,
2
3
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
Church Arson Prevention
Training and Technical Assistance Program
The National Arson Initiative was established by Presi-
Criminal Justice Training and
dent Clinton in June 1996, in response to the increasing
Technical Assistance
number of church arsons occurring throughout the United
States. As a result of this initiative, the Church Arson
CAP training and technical assistance will also focus
Prevention (CAP) program was created to help States
on ways to assist State and local governments, criminal
develop and implement comprehensive church arson
justice agencies, and community organizations with
prevention programs and to mobilize communities to
church arson prevention. To provide this assistance, BJA
work together to prevent more church arsons. A key feature
will make training and technical assistance broadly
of the CAP program is the ease with which States, local
available to State and local governments through onsite
governments, and civic groups can request training and
consultations, BJA-sponsored training workshops and
technical assistance for church arson prevention activities.
seminars, or conference presentations. In addition, BJA
will retain highly qualified consultants to respond to
Specifically, the program will enhance the capacity of
each training and technical assistance request and to
States and local jurisdictions to develop community-
address the needs of the church arson prevention and
based strategies to prevent church arson.
criminal justice communities.
Goals
How To Request CAP Training and
BJA has committed itself to the following goals for the
Technical Assistance
CAP training and technical assistance program. It will:
Requests for CAP training and technical assistance
Expeditiously handle State and local governments'
must be submitted in writing either through BJA's
requests for training and technical assistance.
Internet home page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
or by writing to BJA at the address provided below.
Coordinate with other Federal agencies such
as the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Training and technical assistance requests must contain
(FEMA) to provide training and technical
the following information:
assistance that is not specifically related to church
A statement of the problem including actual threats
arson.
and incidents of church arsons or suspicious
Help States identify implementation strategies for
activity that might result in church arsons.
their statewide CAP programs during training.
The type of assistance needed. Possible areas
Provide experts to help facilitate the creation
include training in church arson prevention,
of community-based CAP plans.
community outreach and public awareness training,
and strategic planning assistance for local
Educate local governments about effective church
communities, civic groups, and churches.
arson prevention techniques.
A brief description of the surrounding community
For More Information
that includes demographics and the composition of
local law enforcement agencies (e.g., the size of
To find out more about the CAP program or about other
the police or sheriff's department that has law
BJA programs and publications, contact these offices:
enforcement jurisdiction).
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Special Programs Division
The timeframe in which training is expected to be
633 Indiana Avenue NW.
conducted.
Washington, DC 20531
The name, title, address, and telephone number of
Tel: 202-307-0635
the primary contact person.
Fax: 202-514-5956
The intended recipient of training or technical
World Wide Web: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/B.JA
assistance, whether it be a church group, law
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
enforcement agency, civic group, or community.
Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
The end product desired as a result of training and
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
technical assistance. Examples include written and
Bulletin Board System: 301-738-8895
verbal reports, workshop and conference
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
presentations, and strategic plans.
Clearinghouse staff are available Monday through Fri-
day, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time. Ask them to place
you on the BJA mailing list.
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
Response Center staff are available Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time.
FS 000174
April 1997
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Permit No. G-91
Washington, DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
Church Arson Prevention Training
and Technical Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
FY 1997 Metropolitan Firefighter and Emergency
Services National Training Program for First
Responders to Terrorist Incidents
Pursuant to title VIII, section 819, of the Anti-Terrorism
for first responders with a particular emphasis on
and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, the Attorney
incendiary and explosive devices. The course will
General is authorized to develop a grant program to pro-
be provided to all firefighting and emergency
vide anti-terrorism training to first responders (firefighters
medical services teams nationally.
and emergency services personnel). Authority to admin-
Emergency Response to Terrorism: Basic
ister the grant program was delegated by the Attorney
Concepts Training Program.
General to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), re-
A 2-day onsite course for first responders in the 120
sulting in the FY 1997 Metropolitan Firefighter and
targeted urban jurisdictions will offer training in
Emergency Services National Training Program for First
terrorist incident management operations and
Responders to Terrorist Incidents. The program sup-
tactical decisionmaking. This training will use
ports firefighters and emergency services personnel in
practical exercises and operational techniques to
120 targeted urban jurisdictions. This support includes:
help first responders recognize a terrorist incident,
Specialized first-responder training.
take necessary protective measures, assume control
of the incident scene, and establish an incident
A first-responder train-the-trainer program.
management structure.
A national conference for first responders.
Emergency Response to Terrorism: Basic
Competitive grant funding to identify innovative
Concepts Train-the-Trainer Program.
first-responder training programs.
This time-phased program will provide train-the-
trainer instruction for designated firefighters and
First-Responder Training
emergency services personnel in the 120 targeted
As part of this program, training will be made available
urban jurisdictions. The program's goal is to create
in targeted jurisdictions to first responders to terrorist
a sustainable resident training capability throughout
incidents in which weapons of mass destruction (e.g.,
the Nation. Training will include 150 first respond-
nuclear, biological, chemical, and incendiary or explo-
ers representing the targeted jurisdictions. The second
sive devices) are used. Jurisdictions that have first re-
phase of instruction will train instructors from State
sponse (firefighting and emergency medical services)
fire training academies. These instructors will then
capabilities may be able to receive the following train-
deliver onsite training in their respective jurisdictions.
ing established specifically for those personnel:
Emergency Responders National Conference.
Emergency Response to Terrorism Self-Study.
BJA will provide funding to plan and convene a
A home study course designed as a self-paced
national conference for first responders, emergency
instruction will introduce basic awareness concepts
planners, and key officials at the Federal, State, and
local levels. This national conference will give these
not required to submit an application to participate; the
key decisionmakers an opportunity to discuss lessons
fire chiefs in targeted jurisdictions have been contacted
learned, identify additional first-responder training
to determine their training needs.
requirements, and help coordinate the delivery of
future training needs.
Who May Apply for Demonstration
Demonstration Grant Program.
Grant Funding?
BJA will provide demonstration grant funding to test,
Metropolitan and State agencies that provide training
document, and exercise effective first-responder
for local firefighting and emergency services personnel
training programs for terrorist incidents and weapons
may apply for a demonstration grant. Eligible applicants
of mass destruction that can be replicated in other
must show that their first-responder training operations
urban jurisdictions. Demonstration sites will be selected
are innovative, include more than one jurisdiction, and
on the basis of the criteria outlined in the Project
can be replicated by other large metropolitan jurisdictions.
Narrative Section of the Application Kit and Program
Guide for the Metropolitan Firefighter and Emer-
For More Information
gency Services National Training Program for First
For information about applying for demonstration
Responders to Terrorist Incidents. To order a copy
grant funding, refer to the Application Kit and Program
of the application kit, contact the BJA Clearinghouse.
Guide available through the BJA Clearinghouse. Ques-
FY 1998 Training Priorities
tions concerning demonstration grant funding and other
training programs discussed in this fact sheet should be
Working with the Federal Emergency Management
directed to the U.S. Department of Justice Response
Agency and the National Fire Academy, BJA will offer
Center. This information is also available through the
training in FY 1998 for first responders in incident man-
BJA home page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
agement and tactical decisionmaking. These courses will
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
expand the level and scope of training BJA will conduct
P.O. Box 6000
in FY 1997 and complement the sustainability of first-
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
responder training. In FY 1998 BJA will also give se-
Phone: 1-800-688-4252
lected State agencies and jurisdictions the opportunity
Fax: 301-519-5212
to request no-cost technical assistance to help develop or
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
enhance their existing first-responder training capacities.
Department of Justice Response Center
Who Is Eligible for FY 1997 Training?
1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
Specified urban jurisdictions with first-responder opera-
FS 000185
tions are eligible for training. These jurisdictions are
June 1997
U.S. Department of Justice
BULK RATE
Office of Justice Programs
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Permit No. G-91
Washington, DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
BJA
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Fact Sheet
Nancy E. Gist, Director
Federal Law Enforcement Dependents
Assistance Program
The Federal Law Enforcement Dependents Assistance
forcement officers whose deaths or permanent and total
(FLEDA) Act (42 U.S.C. 3796d) was enacted in October
disabilities are the direct and proximate result of a trau-
1996 to enhance the appeal of service in civilian Federal
matic injury sustained in the line of duty.
law enforcement agencies by providing financial assis-
FLEDA benefits are intended for the sole purpose of
tance for higher education to the spouses and children of
deferring educational expenses, which may include tu-
Federal law enforcement officers killed in the line of
ition, room and board, books, supplies, and fees consis-
duty. The FLEDA Act also makes this assistance avail-
tent with the educational, professional, or vocational
able to the spouses and children of Federal law enforce-
objectives set forth by the applicant in his or her appli-
ment officers permanently and totally disabled by
cation for assistance. The allowance was established in
catastrophic injuries sustained in the line of duty.
the amount of $404 per month for full-time students,
Background
$304 for three-quarter-time students, and $202 for half-
time students. The amount of assistance is subject to
Many States provide higher education benefits for the
change consistent with the current computation of edu-
families of State and local law enforcement officers
cational assistance allowance set forth in Title IV of the
killed in the line of duty. By enacting the FLEDA Act,
Higher Education Act, Section 3532 of Title 38, United
Congress and the President have extended educational
States Code.
assistance to the families of Federal law enforcement
officers. In so doing, a significant statement is being
FLEDA Program Effective Dates
made about how vital Federal law enforcement officers
The FLEDA Act makes program benefits available ret-
are to our Nation's public safety.
roactively to the families of Federal law enforcement
The FLEDA Act recognizes that benefits available to
officers killed in the line of duty on or after May 1,
these families through the Public Safety Officers' Ben-
1992. The effective date for the families of permanently
efits (PSOB) Program, administered by the Bureau of
and totally disabled Federal law enforcement officers is
Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, are of-
October 3, 1996.
ten consumed by basic needs and are not sufficient to
support costs of higher education. For many families,
Eligibility for FLEDA Benefits
however, access to higher education is instrumental in
The FLEDA Act stipulates that FLEDA benefits are to
their ability to move forward in the aftermath of a line-
be provided directly to dependents who attend a pro-
of-duty tragedy.
gram of education at an eligible educational institution
FLEDA Program Benefits
and are the children or spouses of Federal law enforce-
ment officers whose deaths or permanent and total dis-
The FLEDA Program provides an educational assis-
abilities are covered by the PSOB Act (42 U.S.C. 3796
tance allowance to eligible survivors of Federal law en-
et seq.). Federal officers' children are no longer eligible
for assistance, however, after their 27th birthday, absent
Tel: 1-888-SIGNL13 (744-6513)
a finding by the Attorney General of extraordinary cir-
Fax: 202-307-3373
cumstances. Assistance under the FLEDA Program is
World Wide Web: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA
available for a period of 45 months of full-time educa-
Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse
tion or training or for a proportional period of time for a
P.O. Box 6000
part-time program.
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
For More Information
Tel: 1-800-688-4252
World Wide Web: http://www.ncjrs.org
For more information about the Federal Law Enforce-
Clearinghouse staff are available Monday through
ment Dependents Assistance Program, to obtain a copy
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time. Ask them to
of the FLEDA regulations and application form, or to
place you on the BJA mailing list.
share your observations and recommendations, please
contact:
Department of Justice Response Center
1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480
Federal Law Enforcement Dependents Assistance
Program
Response Center staff are available Monday through
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time.
Bureau of Justice Assistance
FS 000183
633 Indiana Avenue NW.
May 1997
Washington, DC 20531
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DOJ/BJA
Permit No. G-91
Washington, DC 20531
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300