On September 16, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program specifically for state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments across the country.  This State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, made possible thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $1 billion in funding to SLT partners over four years, with $185 million available for FY22, to support SLT efforts to address cyber risk to their information systems.  With this funding, SLT governments will be better equipped to address cybersecurity risks, strengthen the cybersecurity of their critical infrastructure, and ensure resilience against persistent cyberthreats for the services SLT governments provide their communities.  With the release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), DHS has opened the application process for the grant program. Applicants have 60 days to apply for a grant, which can be used to fund new or existing cybersecurity programs.  

Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, this webinar will feature Rod Underhill, former elected prosecutor of Multnomah County, who will discuss how to implement a cold case review unit with misdemeanor prosecutors, allowing them to gain experience and simultaneously assist with the crucial task of solving cold case homicides.  This webinar is open to all prosecutors and prosecution teams (including victim/witness advocates and investigators within prosecutors’ offices).

When: Thursday, September 29, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., ET

Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance as part of the Implementing Community Based Violence (CVI) Intervention Strategies, this webinar will cover important factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate CVI strategy for your community.  Panelists will explore the importance of collaboration in public safety within the context of juvenile gang prevention as well as in partnerships between law enforcement and CVI programs.

When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., ET

Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and hosted by the National White-Collar Crime Center, this webinar will examine the investigative and legal considerations related to tracking technology and the impact of ultra-wideband location networks such as Apple AirTags and other similar emerging technologies.  The presenters will use case analysis to illustrate key questions and considerations for both investigators and prosecutors, given the increasing criminal use of this technology and proactive use during investigations.

When: Monday, September 26, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., ET

Hosted by Justice Clearinghouse and the National Organization for Victim Assistance, this webinar will discuss victim advocates serving on the front lines of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the training they receive on the basics of safety planning, risk assessment, and state and federal firearm laws.  Advocates do not receive specific training on how to discuss firearms with victims.  This gap in knowledge leads advocates to feel uncomfortable and unlikely to address firearms with victims.  Advocates note fears of offending victims, entering into a gun control debate, and inadequate knowledge about firearms as common barriers to discussing firearms.   The Advocacy for Firearm Awareness and Risk (AFAR) training seeks to provide advocates with specific knowledge and tools to improve their comfort in and the likelihood of speaking about firearms with their clients.  During Part 2 of this training, participants will learn the “how” of speaking with clients about firearms.  This includes processing your own biases and barriers to having firearm safety conversations, how to approach clients from a trauma-informed lens regarding firearm safety and risk, and how to build competencies in the area of firearm safety in intimate partner violence (IPV) situations.

When: Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., ET