This publication, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and published by the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP), discusses the ways in which the courts, jail administrators, and community corrections personnel have been forced to adapt and adjust because of pandemic-related limitations.  The adaptations include text messaging, videoconferencing, and virtual home visits—to ensure that services continue for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder.  And while the cause of this shift may be temporary, the effect may not be. Many of these changes may become permanent components of comprehensive, evidence-based programming.  The publication discusses a detailed look at some of the innovative practices being employed by state agencies around the country. 

Published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this report summarizes the progress made, and challenges that remain, in building and sustaining the capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats, hazards, and incidents that pose a great threat to the nation.  The report includes analysis based on data available as of December 31, 2019, that helps decision-makers understand the risks facing the country and its ability to address those risks.  The report also includes content that can inspire action and identify areas of focus. In total, the report provides an annual picture of the risks the nation faces; the capabilities the nation has—and needs—to prepare for those risks; and data-driven analysis of current and critical considerations in emergency management.

Presented by the National Criminal Justice Training Center, this training discusses techniques and strategies to enhance the likelihood of obtaining information from possible victims of child sex trafficking.  Participants will compare and contrast typical child sexual abuse cases with child sex trafficking (CST) cases and address the different points of entry into the criminal justice and welfare system for CST victims.  Participants will also learn various disciplines' roles and responsibilities and how they can contribute to a positive outcome for CST cases.  Participants will have the opportunity to examine question strategy, interview dynamics, language use, and interview suggestions, as well as discuss the business model of child sex trafficking as it relates to a variety of crimes, including the use of sexually explicit images of minors (child pornography).  This training includes two sessions.

When: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Time: 12:00 Noon – 3:00 p.m., ET, 
and 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., ET

The webinar, sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association and hosted by the Justice Clearinghouse, discusses how the duties of law enforcement professionals can cause stress and emotional difficulties, including sleeping disorders, relationship problems, and thoughts of suicide.  This webinar covers the current state of law enforcement trauma, wellness, and resilience, with an emphasis on proactive, preventative, and strategic approaches to first responder wellness. Topics include stress and trauma, suicide risk, confidential access to support resources, quality and availability of resources, law enforcement therapist vetting, peer support training, the role of COVID-19, social unrest, and other high-impact events, generational factors, and future directions for law enforcement wellness.

When: Thursday, January 28, 2021
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., ET

The former United States Attorney General with the Department of Justice (DOJ), William P. Barr, announced on December 23, 2020, the results of Operation Legend, which was officially launched on July 8, 2020. The Attorney General launched the operation as a sustained, systematic, and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime.  Since Operation Legend’s launch, more than 6,000 arrests—including approximately 467 for homicide—were made; more than 2,600 firearms were seized; and more than 32 kilos of heroin, more than 17 kilos of fentanyl, more than 300 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 135 kilos of cocaine, and more than $11 million in drug and other illicit proceeds were seized.