Archives Erica Richardson

12June
2020

National Police Foundation launches new Science and Innovation livestream series

June 12, 2020—The National Police Foundation (NPF) is pleased to announce a new Science and Innovation online livestream broadcast series.

The series is designed to reflect NPF’s mission as an organization—advancing policing through innovation and science. The goal is to actively bring research into the conversation and apply it to everyday management and reform conversations. These conversations will feature perspectives from practitioners and academics and will dive deeper into scientific or technical findings or innovations that may help police leaders in guiding and managing the agency, including the development of new policies and procedures, help elected officials and community members gain a deeper insight into police organizations and policing overall, and to expand our knowledge collectively.

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9June
2020

Defense Logistics Agency 1033 Program: Analysis of 2019-2020 Transfers to States for Law Enforcement Use

The National Police Foundation has received inquiries on the 1033 Program and how it is used by law enforcement. In responding to these requests, the Foundation accessed the 1033 Program data and analyzed transfers from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020. While some agencies and states continue to receive military equipment such as mine resistant vehicles, rifles and associated parts, the vast majority of equipment transferred during this period consists of clothing, personal protective equipment such as gloves and facemasks, and basic infrastructure needs such as wiring, tools, generators, etc. States and local communities save hundreds of thousands of dollars through the program. The Foundation encourages those considering policy changes to examine the data and respond in ways that don’t diminish the appropriate uses and value that states and local communities receive.

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27May
2020

Statement from National Police Foundation on Use-of-Force Incident in Minneapolis

May 27, 2020 (via The Washington Post)—The video we’ve all now seen is distressing and hard for anyone to watch. It’s also hard for any of us to even begin to understand how something like that could occur and to occur in such a seemingly oblivious way. We cannot accept it or excuse it. The Chief’s decision is certainly understandable, particularly in the sense that he would have access to all of the information that many of us do not have.

As we work with law enforcement officers and leaders across the U.S. and beyond, we have the privilege of witnessing the dedication and commitment to service, integrity, fairness and respect that countless officers have and demonstrate each and every day, even in the face of adversity and, at times, confrontation. This video and the behaviors observed do not represent them well. Instead, these actions (and inaction) jeopardize the gains that have been made through the sacrifices and courage of many.

While the full investigation may reveal additional details and facts that are unknown to most of us today, we should all come together in agreement that the glimpse we have into this encounter is not consistent with the oath that officers take or the courage and integrity that the vast majority display each and every day.

22May
2020

National Police Foundation COVID-19 First Responder Grant Program Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which the Police Foundation, d.b.a. National Police Foundation, collects, uses, maintains and discloses information in connection with its COVID-19 grant program. With respect to use of the Police Foundation’s website, privacy matters are governed by the policy available at https://www.policefoundation.org/privacy-policy/.

Personal identification information

In administering the grant program, we may collect personal identification information from applicants and other visitors to the related websites (Users) in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, fill out a form, or apply for a grant. In particular, applicants will be asked for a wide range of personal identification information in order to permit our assessment of their applications. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from being considered for a grant.

How we use collected information

Police Foundation may collect and use User’s personal information for the following purposes:

To evaluate grant application – With respect to information submitted on or in connection with a grant application, we will use the information to evaluate the application and make a decision as to whether to award a grant.

To evaluate grant program – We will use personal information to assess the grant program, including to consider potential changes to the program, and to inform the creation of any future related programs.

To contact applicants for additional information or for other purposes – We may use the email address of applicants and other information to contact them to request additional information in connection with their applications or for other purposes related to the program.

To improve customer service – Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently.

To improve our Site – We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and services.

To send periodic emails – We may use the email address to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-in to future emails, they may receive emails that may include news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.

To raise awareness of issues related to COVID-19 – We may use aggregated or non-identifiable information from Users to share information with the public about the grant program and related issues.

Sharing your personal information

We may share aggregated personal information with organizations who are funding the grant program. Similarly, we may share aggregated personal information with the public. We also may share non-identifiable information with funders or the public in order to illustrate the scope and impact of the grant program.

We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission. We will not sell, rent, share, or disclose your email address or use it for any other purpose than what you have indicated.

How we protect your information

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Non-personal identification information

We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.

Web browser cookies

Our Site may use “cookies” to enhance User experience. User’s web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.

Third party websites

Users may find advertising or other content on our Site that links to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website’s own terms and policies.

Changes to this privacy policy

Police Foundation has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

Your acceptance of these terms

By submitting an application or otherwise using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.

Contacting us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

Police Foundation
2550 S. Clark Street, Suite 1130
Arlington, Virginia 22202
(202) 833-1460
www.policefoundation.org

19May
2020

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 and community responses on traffic crashes and fatalities

May 19, 2020—In response to the pandemic, safety measures such as staying at home and social distancing have become parts of everyday life. As an organization that strives to bring data and science into public safety discussions, we are curious about the indirect effects that safety measures have on public safety as we navigate the new normal.

The National Police Foundation is examining traffic crashes and fatalities from an initial sample of five states: Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Missouri. While the number of traffic and fatal crashes decreased across the states, fatality rates increased across each state during April and in parts of March compared to 2019 data. These data may suggest a probable increase in behaviors that should cause concern among policymakers, including what appears to be an increase in excessive speed and reckless driving among motorists.

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12May
2020

Police data behind the pandemic response: policing through COVID-19

By Andrew Vaught, Managing Director, Data Driven Strategies Division, Baltimore Police Department, and Joyce Iwashita, Project Associate, National Police Foundation

Despite the challenges that exposures to the coronavirus (COVID-19) present to police operations, agencies around the nation continue to respond to public safety issues in our communities. According to the National Police Foundation’s (NPF’s) Law Enforcement Impact Dashboard, thousands of law enforcement officers across the country have been exposed to COVID-19. As members continue to respond to the call to serve and protect, data collection and analysis is helping the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) make informed decisions about staffing and resource allocation that ultimately affects the safety of our members and the level of service we provide to our community. At the same time, our agency has an eye on ways that this data could help us and our federal, state, and local partners plan and prepare for the next wave of COVID-19 or the next pandemic we are faced with.

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12May
2020

National Police Foundation to Serve As Research Partner to Assess Implementation of the Task Force on 21st Century Policing Recommendations

May 12, 2020—The National Police Foundation (NPF) will serve as the research partner for a new project that will assess implementation of the Task Force recommendations since they were published five years ago this month. The consulting firm 21CP Solutions will lead the overall project. 21CP Solutions brings a diverse, seasoned group of professionals who have transformed agencies from inside and outside, strengthening the health of organizations and community relationships. 21CP Solutions helps departments and organizations provide for public safety and promote community well-being through real-world, strategic approaches.

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11May
2020

National Police Foundation, partners provide PPE to law enforcement agencies in need nationwide

May 11, 2020—The National Police Foundation (NPF), through its Corporate Care Resource Center and through its #GotYouCovered Million Masks Campaign partnership with Axon Enterprise, is committed to providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to agencies across the country that are experiencing shortages during the global COVID-19 pandemic. While some cities have local police foundations that are working hard to assist their first responders, NPF and its partners are striving to ensure that all agencies receive the PPE they need so that officers and their families can feel safe.

Through these combined initiatives, face masks, hand sanitizer, and disposable gloves have been distributed to requesting agencies.

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10May
2020

Confronting COVID-19: Strong Leadership, Honest Assessments, Utilizing Available Resources, Communication, and Education

By Sheriff Rich Stanek
Hennepin County (MN) Sheriff (Ret.)

No level of planning could have fully prepared us for the difficult news coming from our nation’s jails and correctional facilities.  Heightened levels of contagion, and the associated stress and anxiety are impacting our medical, security, and behavioral health staff that work in these facilities as well as those in custody.

What more can we do to address the crisis, reduce the risk, and provide much-needed support? If I were still on the job today, these six steps would be on my to-do list and I hope they’re on yours as well.

 

  1. Acknowledge the problems, risks, and fear. Transparency and communication help us to work through these challenges.  More information can provide a baseline for developing a realistic view of the problems and allow us to transition toward identifying solutions.  Open up and encourage news reports and information sharing to build confidence that important information is being shared on a timely basis, even if the news is difficult to hear.
  2. Walk through your facilities and ask your command staff to do the same. Observe and make an honest assessment about what you are seeing. Be a visible leader, listener, and an observer—your presence will demonstrate your commitment and support for your employees and line staff.  You may find there are problems with a quick or obvious solution, where you may easily prioritize your resources and next steps.
  3. Consider grant funding to meet unanticipated needs. The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance currently has $850 million available for state and local public safety agencies for COVID-19 related expenses. Sterilizing equipment, supplies, trainings, medical care costs, and developing teleconferencing capabilities all qualify for these funds that are available through May 29, 2020, for use over a two-year period. For more information, click here.
  4. Be clear about what personal protective equipment, supplies and other equipment are or are not available. It’s important to have access masks, gloves, soap, disinfectant, and hand sanitizer. If the items are not available now, explain why and when they will be made available.
  5. Provide education about how to minimize infection (e.g., washing hands properly, avoid touching the face and hard surfaces, and keeping social distancing guidelines). Increase your cleaning budget, bring in additional cleaning staff if possible, provide liberal access to cleaning supplies, and schedule daily or more frequent cleaning protocols.
  6. Consider new strategies for easing the stress and anxiety associated with the virus along with the physical limitations and environment everyone in the facility must accept. This could be done by playing music, relaying positive messages, facilitating and encouraging physical activity, sharing reading materials, and teaching healthy coping skills and strategies. From breathing techniques to music therapy to physical stretching and meditation, there are no-cost ways to manage stress without compromising security. Get innovative with your solutions. For example, can you make more call-times available for inmates through use of discretionary funds or donations?

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10May
2020

National Police Foundation conducts virtual site visits, hosts webinars to continue CALEA Accreditation process for agencies in Mexico 

May 10, 2020—COVID-19 has not prevented the National Police Foundation’s International Team from continuing to provide quality technical assistance as public safety agencies throughout Mexico continue to work toward accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

With funding support from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the National Police Foundation is currently providing technical assistance to 75 public safety agencies, including municipal law enforcement agencies, communications centers, and training academies, throughout Mexico in order to help agencies achieve CALEA Accreditation.

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