"NW3C will use FY24 CPD funding to create a community awareness toolkit with training curricula, videos, handouts, and other resources for law enforcement to use for community education

Topics will include (1) gender-based violence technology-facilitated abuse, (2) SEX and labor trafficking, (3) scams, fraud, and other types of exploitation involving artificial intelligence and (4) youth violence cybercrime and cyberbullying. While significant efforts are placed on responding to crime, NW3C has continually heard from subject matter experts in various fields that more emphasis needs to be put on awareness and education. Equipping law enforcement with ready-built toolkits that they use to provide education and awareness will enhance crime prevention efforts and promote safe communities. The goal of this project is to create materials that can easily be used by law enforcement to promote public awareness and provide education to their communities. NW3C plans to identify up to three pilot sites to work with on this project. During year one (october 2024 -september 2025), NW3C will focus on developing the materials and curricula with input from subject matter experts (SME) and project partners, including representatives from the cops office and the police executive research forum (perf). NW3C will research current crime methods involving new technologies, incorporating this information into the toolkit. During year two (october 2025 - september 2026), the program will be piloted at selected sites. NW3C will support pilot sites with technical assistance and regular virtual meetings to promote peer learning. Feedback from these sites will be used to refine the materials. Evaluation tools, including questionnaires and interviews, will be developed to assess the toolkit's efficacy. The toolkit, designed for both in-person and online training, may also include videos and immersive content. After revising the toolkit, NW3C will finalize and disseminate the resources nationally, utilizing its extensive network and partnerships. Additionally, NW3C will publish a report and white paper on the program's implementation and community engagement strategies. The comprehensive approach aims to improve community policing by building trust and awareness through community education.