Published by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) , this report describes the results of the Academy Innovations project, a COPS Office–supported initiative aimed at studying ways to improve the methodology for delivering basic police training content. Recruits’ ability to learn and retain material presented during and after basic police academy training is a genuine concern for academy directors, police administrators, recruits, officers, and the community. Since much information is delivered relatively quickly, police training professionals must understand and employ instructional delivery methodologies that help recruits learn and retain information. Led by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), the project conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in five U.S. police academies to determine whether students who participated in an in-person or online integrated curriculum performed better than those who participated in a traditional in-person or online lecture. The report briefly reviews the literature on integrated curricula and retention intervals, discusses implications for the field, and provides eight best practices to guide the implementation of integrated curriculum elements in the police academy. 

Hosted by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), this webinar will provide information about the "NIJ FY 24 Domestic Radicalization and Violent Extremism Center of Excellence" solicitation, in which NIJ seeks proposals to establish a Center of Excellence for research and evaluation on the domestic radicalization to violent extremism phenomenon. This center will perform four core functions: (1) conduct (and/or support through multiple subawards) rigorous research, evaluation, and demonstration projects directed toward developing a better understanding of the phenomenon and advancing evidence-based strategies for effective intervention and prevention; (2) assess the research needs of the field; (3) translate and disseminate knowledge by developing a suite of evidence-driven best practices and guidelines for immediate reference by practitioners; (4) support training, education, and professional development of practitioners engaged in extremism prevention and intervention, using that suite of evidence-driven best practices and guidelines.

Date: Monday, December 11, 2023
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., ET

This new report published by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) offers law enforcement executives key considerations for establishing a cybercrime unit, including scope, recruitment/staffing, interagency partnerships, training, and funding. This information is especially pertinent because nearly every crime has a digital component. As such, police leaders are under increased pressure to dedicate resources to combat cyber-enabled crime.

Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and hosted by the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP), this on-demand webinar is the second webinar of COSSUP’s "Understanding the Changing Illicit Drug Landscape" series. It highlights innovative drug-checking technologies that are used in response to the highly variable drug market. 
Ms. Carla Sofronski from the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network will discuss efforts to expand drug checking through syringe service and other harm reduction agencies. Nationally renowned ethnographer and journalist Mr. Christopher Moraff discusses his efforts to introduce and expand the distribution of fentanyl test strips through Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Health, and provides an overview of his innovative blueprint for a statewide drug-checking network to respond to emerging drug trends. 

Hosted by the National Policing Institute (NPI) and the Justice Clearinghouse, this webinar is designed to help participants assess the impact of agency practices on victims and co-victims in victims’ rights, initial contact, investigative interviews and actions, records, documentation, case status, and media involvement. Incorporating law enforcement-based victim services can help promote victim-centered, trauma-informed practices throughout the agency and the community it serves. Victim services personnel can provide a wide range of services that align with the responsibilities of sworn personnel. Collaborative responses can encourage ongoing engagement of victims and co-victims and help them navigate multiple complex systems to meet their needs.

Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., ET