By Police1 Staff
The U.S. Justice Department’s Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) recently reached a significant landmark, surpassing over 1,000 technical assistance engagements with state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies.
Developed by the COPS Office, CRI-TAC is a pivotal part of the expanded Collaborative Reform Initiative, providing tailored assistance to help law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve identify and implement organizational improvements and reforms through training, consultation, peer-based learning, analysis and in-depth assessments. The Initiative is structured as a continuum of services offered to law enforcement agencies on a strictly voluntary basis. CRI-TAC, one of three programs under the broader Collaborative Reform Initiative, provides critical, tailored technical assistance resources to state, local, tribal, territorial and campus law enforcement agencies on a wide variety of topics.
“The CRI-TAC Initiative has been a key component of the expanded Collaborative Reform Initiative relaunched almost two years ago,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The response we’ve seen — now over 1000 engagements on everything from de-escalation training to officer wellness and countless other topics — speaks to the demand for, and utility of, this form of technical assistance provided ‘by the field, for the field.’ The Justice Department is grateful for the extensive engagement and partnerships with law enforcement and community groups as we continue to enhance and expand our technical assistance offerings to support public safety and police-community trust.”
Here are five things to know about CRI-TAC:
1. What is the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC)?
CRI-TAC is a program developed by the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to support law enforcement agencies. It offers a continuum of services, including training, consultation, peer-based learning, and in-depth assessments, all aimed at improving policing strategies and strengthening community relations.
2. How does CRI-TAC assist law enforcement agencies?
The initiative assists agencies in various ways, including providing de-escalation training, active threat response tactics, enhancing school and campus safety, and focusing on officer safety and wellness. It helps agencies use public health approaches to address violent crime, engage youth proactively, and enhance internal discipline for accountability.
3. What are the types of technical assistance provided by CRI-TAC?
CRI-TAC offers a range of assistance, such as training, resource referrals, virtual and on-site consultations, policy reviews, and expert briefings. This support is tailored to the specific needs of each law enforcement agency.
4. How can law enforcement agencies request assistance from CRI-TAC?
Law enforcement agencies can apply for assistance through the CRI-TAC program on a rolling basis. Applications are accepted continuously, and the technical assistance is provided at no cost. Agencies interested in this program can find more information and apply at www.cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform.
5. What has been the impact of CRI-TAC on law enforcement and communities?
Agencies that have participated in CRI-TAC report significant benefits, including improvements in service delivery, enhanced knowledge, and positive changes in their operations. This not only benefits the agencies themselves but also has a ripple effect on the communities they serve, leading to increased public safety and stronger police-community trust.
For more detailed information about the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center and its impact, visit the official website.
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