The virginia department of criminal justice services (dcjs) seeks funding from the byrne state crisis intervention program (scip) both to enhance existing gun violence intervention and prevention…

The virginia department of criminal justice services (dcjs) seeks funding from the byrne state crisis intervention program (scip) both to enhance existing gun violence intervention and prevention programs across the commonwealth of virginia, and to implement new measures designed to provide additional resources to law enforcement agencies, commonwealth's attorneys' offices, public health agencies, court personnel, and judiciary staff. Funding priorities represent and reflect the bureau of justice assistance's (BJA) areas of emphasis for this funding opportunity, and are guided by priorities developed by dcjs and its criminal justice services board (cjsb), using empirical data and input from stakeholders. Dcjs will seek applications for byrne scip-funded projects to provide training focused on a variety of topics related generally to gun violence reduction within the realm of crisis intervention and the continued implementation of substantial risk orders in virginia. Further, dcjs will look to fund a variety of local government projects that support training and access to behavioral health deflection pathways, such that individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others can be connected to community-based services and treatment. These projects can also include requests for technological support and advancements, including programs that will improve access to telehealth visits and case management for mental health providers and patients. Finally, dcjs will seek applications from law enforcement agencies and other units of local government to more safely and efficiently store, track, and return firearms relinquished as a result of a substantial risk order petition in virginia. These projects may include funding for gun locks and safes for individuals and private businesses, physical storage solutions for law enforcement agencies, and software/computer technology to improve the tracking and return of firearms. Dcjs will collect and maintain data that measures the performance and effectiveness of programs funded under this award. As requested by the scip formula solicitation, dcjs will collect data from sub-grantees regarding the ongoing implementation of virginia's substantial risk order law and related crisis intervention programs, including their effectiveness in preventing and reducing violence and suicide. This data will consist of statistics as well as anecdotal evidence and will be summarized by dcjs to develop a better understanding of relevant trends across the commonwealth of virginia.