COLLABORATIVE REFORM FOURTH ANNUAL REVIEW

Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field

COLLABORATIVE REFORM FOURTH ANNUAL REVIEW 


The opinions contained herein are those of the author(s) or contributor(s) and do not necessarily represent the official 

position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. References to specific individuals, agencies, companies, products, or 

services should not be considered an endorsement by the author(s), the contributor(s), or the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Rather, the references are illustrations to supplement discussion of the issues. 

The internet references cited in this publication were valid as of the date of publication. Given that URLs and websites are 

in constant flux, neither the author(s), the contributor(s), nor the COPS Office can vouch for their current validity. 

This resource may be subject to copyright. The U.S. Department of Justice reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use and to authorize others to use this resource for Federal Government 

purposes. This resource may be freely distributed and used for noncommercial and educational purposes only. 

Recommended citation: 

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. 2022. Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field: Collaborative 

Reform Fourth Annual Review. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. 

Published 2022 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

Letter from the Acting Director of the COPS Office and Executive Directors of CRI-TAC Partners . . . . . . . . .v

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

COPS Office staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

IACP staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii

Partners staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii

Executive Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Technical assistance services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

About this report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Program Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Key performance indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Technical assistance summaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

How to Request Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Step 1. Inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Step 2. Intake call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Step 3. Technical assistance request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Step 4. Technical assistance work plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Step 5. Technical assistance delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
 

 

 

 

iv Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field

On Deck in 2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Furthering active bystander techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Translating training to address tribal missing persons cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare for future events . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Supporting de-escalation research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Enhancing community engagement efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Continuing service to the field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

About the CRI-TAC Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) . . . . . . . 44

Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

About the COPS Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Letter from the Acting Director of the 

COPS Office and Executive Directors of 

CRI-TAC Partners 

Colleagues: 

The successful and groundbreaking partnership between the COPS Office, the International Association of 

Chiefs of Police (IACP), and a cohort of leading law enforcement partners—FBI National Academy Associates 

Inc. (FBINAA), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement 

Administrators (IACLEA), the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training 

(IADLEST), the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement 

Executives (NAWLEE), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National 

Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), and the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA)—continues to excel and provide critical technical assistance resources to law enforcement agencies through the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). Since we launched CRI-TAC in 2018, we have fielded close to 700 

technical assistance requests for support on critical issues like officer safety and wellness; community engagement; leadership; active shooter response; de-escalation; school safety; crime analysis; crisis intervention; and 

recruitment, hiring, and retention. We deliver tailored technical assistance that meets the needs of state, local, 

territorial, tribal, and campus law enforcement agencies in a “by the field, for the field” approach. 

We’re proud to provide customized, timely, field-driven technical assistance to agencies in a way that minimizes 

the burden to the officers, deputies, troopers, and civilians on the front line while focusing on the needs of both 

law enforcement and the communities they serve. Our work is furthered by a strong collaboration among one 

another that not only enhances our technical assistance deliveries but also prepares us to respond to critical, 

emerging issues. We’re honored to be a one-stop shop for law enforcement agencies as they are looking to 

build better, stronger agencies and communities. 
This report on CRI-TAC’s fourth year demonstrates how the center has supported law enforcement agencies 

in their efforts to ensure public safety in their communities. It includes performance metrics, case studies, 

and testimonials on the efficient and responsible delivery of “by the field, for the field” assistance to campus, 

local, county, tribal, territorial, and state agencies and highlights plans to do more of the same in 2022. We 

will continue to provide strong and effective assistance for the good of the field, the communities served, and 

the country. Thanks to the field and to the dedicated staff at the COPS Office and across all the partners for 

making this a successful and service-oriented program. 

Sincerely, 

Robert E. Chapman 

Acting Director 

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 

Vincent Talucci 

Executive Director 

International Association of Chiefs of Police 

Howard Cook 

Executive Director 

FBI National Academy Associates Inc. 

Patrick Yoes 

National President 

Fraternal Order of Police 

Paul Cell 

Executive Director 

International Association of Campus 

Law Enforcement Administrators 

Michael Becar 

Executive Director 

International Association of Directors of 

Law Enforcement Standards and Training 

Marissa Cellini 

Interim Executive Director 

Major County Sheriffs of America 

Kym Craven 

Executive Director 

National Association of Women Law 

Enforcement Executives 

Dwayne Crawford 

Executive Director 

National Organization of Black Law 

Enforcement Executives 

Jonathan Thompson 

Executive Director 

National Sheriffs’ Association 

Thor Eells 

Executive Director 

National Tactical Officers Association 
Acknowledgments 

By modeling the importance and strength of partnerships, CRI-TAC continues to advance the philosophy of 

community policing and the mission of the COPS Office. It is vital that the countless individuals and organizations who have contributed to the success of CRI-TAC in its fourth year be acknowledged. 

First and foremost, we offer our appreciation to agency leaders that requested assistance; became engaged 

partners; and provided the vision, goals, and objectives they wanted to achieve to take their agencies to the 

next level. The leadership decision to reach out for assistance is commendable because these leaders are striving 

to better serve their employees and communities. We also offer appreciation to the innumerable law enforcement professionals from the requesting agencies who have worked hand in hand with CRI-TAC for the betterment of their agencies and the communities they serve. 

Gratitude is also due to the staff at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and partner organizations that are the administrative backbone needed to ensure CRI-TAC truly represents the field. The 10 

partner organizations are actively engaged in assisting the field in moving forward in a progressive, communityoriented approach. 

Finally, none of this could be possible without the numerous and diverse subject matter experts (SME) who 

have provided the technical assistance needed to ensure CRI-TAC meets the needs of the field. The SMEs are 

the heart and mind of CRI-TAC and ensure that the technical assistance is responsive, innovative, effective, 

and efficient. Without their professionalism, dedication, and commitment, this report would not be possible. 

We are extremely thankful. 

COPS Office staff 

• Robert E. Chapman, Acting Director 

• Matthew C. Scheider, PhD, Assistant Director, Community Policing Advancement 

• Shelley S. Hyland, PhD, Supervisory Program Specialist, Community Policing Advancement 

• Nazmia E.A. Comrie, Senior Program Specialist, Community Policing Advancement 

• George J. Fachner, Senior Program Specialist, Community Policing Advancement 
viii Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

IACP staff 

• Vincent Talucci, CAE, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer 

• Terrence M. Cunningham, Deputy Executive Director / Chief Operating Officer 

• Domingo Herraiz, Director 

• Sarah Horn, Assistant Director 

• Rosemary DeMenno, Senior Program Manager 

• Laura Wilt, Program Manager 

• Hilary Burgess, Project Manager 

• Emily Jennings, Project Manager 

• Brittney Stoerzinger, Project Manager 

• Angela Sivak, Project Coordinator 

• Alana Richardson, Project Assistant / Project Coordinator 

Partners staff 

FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. 

• Ken Truver, President 

• Howard Cook, Executive Director 

• John Kennedy, Deputy Executive Director 

• Korri Roper, Chief Financial Officer 

Fraternal Order of Police 

• James Pasco, Executive Director 

• Tim Richardson, Senior Legislative Liaison 

• Keith Turney, National Sergeant at Arms 
Acknowledgments ix 

International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators 

• Paul Cell, Executive Director 

• Josh Bronson, Director of Training 

• Lisa Foster, Director of Communications 

International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training 

• Mike Becar, Executive Director 

• Dianne Beer-Maxwell, Project Manager 

• Pam Cammarata, Project Manager 

• Mark Damitio, Crime Analysis Project Manager 

• Yvonne Pfeifer, Director of Operations 

• Peggy Schaefer, Project Manager 

Major County Sheriffs of America 

• Donna Stark, Director of Administration 

National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives 

• Kym Craven, Executive Director 

• Shannon Trump, President 

• Val Cunningham, Past President 

• Alana Ennis, Project Manager 

• Becky Zagami, Bookkeeper 

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives 

• Dwayne Crawford, Executive Director 

• Patrick Taylor, Accounting Manager 

• Sarah Johnson, Manager, Chapter and Member Services 

• Melissa Thompson, National Program and Training Manager 

• James Golden, Project Manager 
x Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

National Sheriffs’ Association 

• Jonathan Thompson, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer 

• Jessica Vanderpool, Director of Grants and Contracts 

• Kristi Barksdale, Project Manager 

• Mitch Cunningham, Chief Law Enforcement Advisor 

National Tactical Officers Association 

• Thor Eells, Executive Director 

• Don Kester, Director of Training and Education 

• Buck Rogers, Program Manager 

• Rick Brzozowski, Accountant 
Executive Summary 

The Collaborative Reform Initiative for Technical Assistance, a program developed by the U.S. Department 

of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), provides critical and tailored 

technical assistance resources to state, local, territorial, tribal, and campus law enforcement agencies on a 

wide variety of topics. The program has served as the premier technical assistance program of the COPS Office 

since 2011. 

Assisting our nation’s law enforcement is at the core of our mission at the COPS Office. To advance this mission, it is essential that we engage with and listen to the field and adapt our approaches accordingly. Based 

on this valuable insight, in 2017 we partnered with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to 

establish a technical assistance delivery center known as the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). 

CRI-TAC brings together an unprecedented coalition of leading law enforcement organizations: IACP, FBI 

National Academy Associates Inc., Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training, Major 

County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, National Organization 

of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the National Tactical Officers Association. This collaboration ensures that CRI-TAC delivers tailored technical assistance that meets the needs of 

state, local, territorial, tribal, and campus law enforcement agencies in a “by the field, for the field” approach. 

Since launching CRI-TAC, the COPS Office has fielded close to 700 technical assistance requests from law 

enforcement agencies across the country. The center has delivered technical assistance on a range of diverse 

topics through various means including strategy consultation, peer exchanges, policy assistance, training, 

and informational briefings by subject matter experts. 

Most agencies that participated in CRI-TAC, like most agencies nationally, are local municipal police departments (61 percent). Campus agencies made up 16 percent of technical assistance participants, and sheriffs’ 

offices made up 14 percent. As is the case nationally, most CRI-TAC agencies (54 percent) had fewer than 

50 sworn personnel. Mid-size and large agencies with 100 to 499 sworn personnel represented the secondgreatest number of those receiving technical assistance from CRI-TAC at 19 percent. 

CRI-TAC collects customer satisfaction data, reflecting that the majority of responding agencies strongly agree 

or agree that the technical assistance provided met their agency’s expectations, was relevant to the identified 

problem and relevant to their agency, and helped their agency address its problem. Long-term post-impact 
2 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

data indicate that more than 90 percent of agencies found that the technical assistance improved their overall 

effectiveness in addressing their problems, and 90 percent stated that the improvements made because of the 

technical assistance have been sustained. 

Training course evaluations indicate that 95 percent of agencies found training provided through CRI-TAC was 

effective in meeting the goals and objectives of the course. Of note related to the training data, participants 

identified both before and after the training whether their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) in the training 

subject were advanced, intermediate, basic, or little or said they had no skills training. Of 750 training participants, a majority (64.7 percent) of respondents reported an increase by one or more KSA levels. Most (34.8 

percent) of the remainder of respondents reported no increase in KSAs. Last, a small number (> 1 percent) of 

respondents indicated a lower level of KSA after training participation. 

This report highlights the work of CRI-TAC since the release of the third annual report1

 in June 2021. The reader 

will find a breakdown of program performance metrics and eight case studies diverse in topic and in agency 

size, type, and geography. The report provides testimonials on the impact of the technical assistance and a 

description of the intake process. It concludes with an overview of activities taking place in 2022, including the 

development of community engagement resources and trainings on the topics of peer intervention and volunteers in tribal agencies. 

Agencies interested in submitting a request will experience a process that is low-burden, efficient, and designed 

to best address their needs while maintaining local control and decision-making. For more information about 

CRI-TAC, please visit CollaborativeReform.org. 

Inquiry Intake

call

Technical

assistance

request

Technical

assistance

delivery

Work

plan

1. COPS Office, Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field: Collaborative Reform Third Annual Review (Washington, 

DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2021), https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/ric.php?page=detail&id=COPS-P453. 
Introduction 

Assisting our nation’s law enforcement is at the core of our mission at the COPS Office. To advance this mis-

-

-

-

sion, it is essential that we engage with and listen to the field and develop approaches that meet their needs. 

As a result of continual outreach and engagement with the field, the COPS Office developed the Collaborative 

Reform Initiative in 2011. It provides critical and tailored technical assistance resources to state, local, territo

rial, tribal, and campus law enforcement agencies on a wide variety of topics. The program has served as the 

premier technical assistance program of the COPS Office since 2011, and since 2017, it has featured a “by the 

field, for the field” technical assistance center, known as the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assis

tance Center (CRI-TAC). CRI-TAC was established in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs 

of Police (IACP). 

“During a time of constant change, CRI-TAC is an unprecedented program 

which affords law enforcement executives the opportunity to address 

critical topics and vexing problems at no cost, driven by your needs 

and vision. Building on the strengths of each of the 10 partner law 

enforcement associations, CRI-TAC connects agencies to the best and 

brightest experts across the U.S., to facilitate rapid assistance. We are 

proud to have serviced over 600 agencies to date.” 

— Dwight Henninger, President, IACP 

CRI-TAC brings together an unprecedented coalition of leading law enforcement organizations represent

ing law enforcement executives, unions, and other public safety stakeholders. This collaboration ensures that 

CRI-TAC delivers tailored technical assistance that meets the needs of state, local, territorial, tribal, and 

campus law enforcement agencies in a “by the field, for the field” approach. 

CRI-TAC benefits from the expertise of an impressive coalition of law enforcement organizations including 

the ones shown in figure 1 on page 4 (see “About the CRI-TAC Partners” on page 43 for summaries of each 

of the partners): 
4 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Figure 1. Coalition of CRI-TAC partners 

The COPS Office provides support, resources, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide 

by using this “by the field, for the field” model. Solutions are designed by IACP, partners, and subject matter 

experts (SME) from the field in collaboration with the agency to address their unique needs. Customizing the 

technical assistance for each agency ensures that the assistance is timely, relevant, and field-driven. The program is a public service and offered at no cost to the requesting agency. 

“The result of a global pandemic coupled with the continuing pressures 

put upon the law enforcement community has resulted in unprecedented 

challenges in the areas of officer safety, recruitment, and retention to 

name a few. The solid partnerships established through the CRI-TAC 

initiative have provided us with a mechanism to collaborate with our 

partners on innovative solutions to today’s law enforcement dilemmas 

that has resulted in us collectively making a difference in the lives of 

rank-and-file officers nationwide.” 

— Patrick Yoes, National President, FOP 

CRI-TAC brings together the collective leadership, expertise, and resources from these partnering organizations 

and their more than 420,000 members2 to ensure it is meeting the complex and varying needs of the field. 

2. U.S. Department of Justice, “Attorney General Sessions Provides Further Support for Local Law Enforcement with Launch of 

New Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center,” press release, March 15, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ 

attorney-general-sessions-provides-further-support-local-law-enforcement-launch-new. 
Introduction 5 

“CRI-TAC has proven to be a truly successful program that’s made a 

positive impact in the policing profession. It has allowed agencies of all 

sizes, types, and capabilities to be on a level playing field in obtaining topnotch training and technical assistance. Agencies are now better equipped 

to face the challenges that lay ahead, thanks in great part to the COPS 

Office and the CRI-TAC partners. IACLEA looks forward to the next phase 

of CRI-TAC as we continue to demonstrate the importance of campus 

police and public safety agencies in the broader conversation around 

policing in the 21st century.” 

— Paul Cell, Executive Director, IACLEA 

Technical assistance services 

CRI-TAC provides multifaceted technical assistance through one or more services including referral to 

high-quality resources vetted by CRI-TAC, partners, and SMEs from the field; web-based training; virtual 

consultation; in-person training and exercises; facilitation of meetings among key agency stakeholders; 

policy assistance; and in-depth on-site consultation. 

• Resource referral. Provide requestor with guides, documentation, toolkits, reports, and other 

relevant publications on selected topics. 

• Web-based training. Provide pre-recorded webinars, live online training, and virtual information briefings. 

• In-person training. Deliver live direct training or train-the-trainer courses, customized for the 

needs of the agency. 

• Virtual coaching and consultation. Facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges with leading experts to 

share information and promising practices via telephone, videoconference, and web-based meeting spaces. 

• Conference support. Support participation in training conferences and other educational meetings. 

• Meeting facilitation. Support meetings among agency personnel and other public and private 

sector stakeholders. 

• Policy assistance. Assist in reviewing current policies or developing new ones. 

• On-site consultation. Collaborate with agency leadership and other law enforcement personnel 

to provide guidance on promising and emerging practices to deliver tailored solutions. 
6 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Supporting Agencies Addressing Violent Crime 

In 2021, CRI-TAC coordinated with the Bureau of Justice Assistance National Training and Technical 

Assistance Center to support the attendance of 19 law enforcement personnel from 10 agencies 

to attend the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA) Cold Case / No-Body Homicide 

Investigations Course. Supported agencies are focused on the reduction of violent crime through 

participation in the National Public Safety Partnership. Throughout the training, the attendees learned 

about establishing a cold case unit, investigative first steps, complete case analysis, laboratory and 

evidence considerations, and how to build a no-body case. 

CRI-TAC staff, partner organizations, and SMEs stand ready to deliver on a broad range of technical assistance 

topics. The example topics in the following list were designed to cover the spectrum of policy, training, operational, strategic, administrative, managerial, and leadership needs for the field to continue advancing the 

policing profession. This list of topics continues to evolve with the field. Agencies may request assistance in any 

of the pre-identified topics or reach out to CRI-TAC to explore additional topics of assistance that may not fit 

neatly into a distinct category. 

• Active Shooter Response 

• Animal Crimes 

• Community Engagement 

• Crime Analysis 

• Crisis Intervention 

• De-escalation 

• Domestic Violence Reduction and Prevention 

• Drug Abuse Prevention 

• Drug and Human Trafficking Interdictions Team 

• Drug-related Crime 

• Elder Abuse 

• Focused Deterrence 

• Gangs 

• Gun Violence Reduction and Prevention 

• Hate Crimes 

• Homeless Populations 

• Human Trafficking 

• Implicit Bias 

• Intelligence and Information Sharing 

• Interpersonal Violence 

• Leadership 

• Management and Supervision 

• Mass Casualty Response 

• Mass Demonstration Response 

• Modern Police Performance Management 

(e.g., CompStat) 

• Officer Safety and Wellness 

• Private Sector Coordination and Partnerships 
Introduction 7 

Training and Technical Assistance on Civil Rights Issues 

Agencies supported by CRI-TAC in addressing civil and human rights issues including the following: 

•	 In collaboration with the Everett (Washington) Police Department, CRI-TAC provided a customized 

one-day regional training on hate groups, hate crimes, threat assessments, and sovereign citizens. 

•	 CRI-TAC worked with the Norman (Oklahoma) Police Department to review current in-service and 

recruit-level curriculums focused on hate crimes, diversity, and inclusion; this assistance also provided 

consultation on community partnerships and collaboration to educate and address hate crimes. 

•	 CRI-TAC delivered Building Trust with the LGBTQ+ Community, a training by CRI-TAC partner IACLEA, 

to Fairfield University Department of Public Safety in Connecticut and neighboring agencies 

As referenced in the third annual report, CRI-TAC finalized a partnership with the Arlington (Texas) Police 

Department to develop the national Hate Crimes: Recognition and Reporting training. This training provides law enforcement with the knowledge, skills, and tools to recognize bias and hate crimes, respond 

meaningfully to community, and initiate investigative steps in support of the critical work and scrutiny 

that will be required of investigators and detectives. 

CRI-TAC Hate Crimes: Recognition and Reporting training at Metro Nashville (TN) 

Police Department (left); Arlington (TX) police instructors (right) 

• Proactive Policing 

• Problem Solving Techniques 

• Procedural Justice 

• Prosecution Coordination and Partnerships 

• Public Sector Coordination and Partnerships 

• Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention 

• School Safety 

• Shared Service Models 

• Traffic Safety 

• Unmanned Aerial Systems 

• Use of Force 

• Violent Crime Reduction and Prevention 

• Youth Engagement 
8 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

In recognition of the unique challenges tribal law enforcement must address to provide their communities with 

public safety services, CRI-TAC continues to provide tribal-specific assistance in the following topics: 

• Child Abuse 

• Community Policing and Problem Solving in a 

Tribal Setting 

• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design 

(CPTED) in a Tribal Setting 

• Crime Scene Processing 

• Cross-Deputization and Regional Partnerships 

(including Public Law 280 considerations) 

• Domestic Violence in Tribal Communities 

• Drug Endangered Children in a Tribal Setting 

• Drug Identification and Response 

• Evidence Collection and Storage 

• Hiring and Recruitment of Native 

American Officers 

• Human Trafficking in Indian Country 

• Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Response 

(training, protocols, engagement) 

• School and Campus Safety in Tribal Communities 

• Security and Law Enforcement Partnerships 

• Sexual Assault in Tribal Communities 

• Tribal Law Enforcement 

• Tribal Law Enforcement Leadership 

• Tribal Youth Partnerships 

Assisting in the Development of a Tribal Law Enforcement Agency 

In 2020, CRI-TAC received a request from the Klamath Tribal Council in Oregon to assist in creating a 

tribal-administered law enforcement agency that is sustainable yet designed for the unique nature of 

the Klamath Tribes. The CRI-TAC SME team facilitated discussions on creating a tribal police department 

including how to engage Klamath Tribal members in a meaningful manner in the shaping of the agency 

as well as how to maintain the community buy-in. CRI-TAC assisted in developing an implementation 

guidebook with correlating virtual presentations to provide a template for standing up the agency, 

recruiting and hiring officers, accessing necessary resources, and identifying long-term goals. At the 

closing of the technical assistance, Klamath Tribes announced the hiring of a new police chief,* which 

coincided with the announcement of a FY 2021 COPS Office Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation 

(CTAS) award†

—a true success story. 

* “Klamath Tribes Welcome New Police Chief,” Klamath Falls News, December 16, 2021, 

https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/klamath-tribes-welcome-new-police-chief. 

† 2021 COPS Office Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) Awards (Washington, DC: Office of 

Community Oriented Policing Services, 2021), 2, https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2021AwardDocs/ctas/Award_List.pdf. 
Introduction 9 

“The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) 

applauds the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center 

(CRI-TAC) program in serving over 650 law enforcement agencies since 

2018. World-class technical assistance has been provided in areas such 

as community engagement, de-escalation, recruitment/retention, and 

a host of other topics. It has been NOBLE’s honor and privilege to be an 

integral part of CRI-TAC in delivering cost-effective resources to the field 

from the field.” 

— Dwayne A. Crawford, Executive Director, NOBLE 

As with tribal policing, CRI-TAC works to meet the unique challenges that sheriffs’ offices must address to provide their communities with public safety services. In collaboration with partners NSA and MCSA, sheriffs can 

access assistance on any of the general example topics as well as the following sheriff-specific topics: 

• Analytics 

• Border Security 

• Civil Process 

• Corrections/Jail Operations 

• Court Security 

• Interdiction Teams 

• Prisoner Transport 

• Technology 

127 subject matter experts 

engaged in 2021 
10 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

About this report 

This report highlights CRI-TAC’s work since the release of the third annual report3 in June 2021. In the following 

sections, the reader will find program performance metrics, case studies, and testimonials on CRI-TAC’s impact. 

The report then provides a description of the intake process and concludes with an overview of activities taking 

place in 2022. 

Agencies interested in submitting a request will experience a process that is low-burden, efficient, and designed 

to best address their needs while maintaining local control and decision-making. 

3. COPS Office, Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field: Collaborative Reform Third Annual Review (see note 1). 

“The customized consultation, education and training services provided 

by the CRI-TAC partners, through funding made available by the DOJ, 

has provided extraordinary leadership and education to law enforcement 

throughout the country. During these trying times, CRI-TAC has continued 

to support law enforcement through a variety of different delivery 

methods to fulfill its mission of providing technical solutions to meet the 

needs of all law enforcement.” 

— Howard Cook, Executive Director, FBINAA 
Program Performance 

This section provides an analysis of key performance indicators that demonstrate the program’s progress and 

the types of assistance provided to participating agencies. In addition, eight qualitative case studies are used 

to illustrate the ways in which CRI-TAC assists agencies in improving their operations, building knowledge and 

skill, and implementing the changes they sought when requesting assistance from CRI-TAC. 

“CRI-TAC has afforded agencies of all sizes [the opportunity] to obtain 

services from subject matter experts in areas most pressing to their 

agencies. As the Executive Director of NAWLEE I share with agencies that 

CRI-TAC can provide assistance to transform their organizations in a way 

that is not offered through most grants or technical assistance programs, 

as CRI-TAC allows the agencies to request what they need, when they 

need it.” 

— Kym Craven, Executive Director, NAWLEE 

Key performance indicators 

Since its inception in 2017, CRI-TAC has fielded a total of 692 technical assistance (TA) requests. At the time of 

this annual report, 580 TA deliveries have been completed, and 70 more are in progress.4 The completed deliveries include both primary requestors and peer agency additions.5

 A complete breakdown of the current status of 

requests is provided in figure 2 on page 12. 

4. Throughout this report, “agencies” refers specifically to requesting agencies, counting each request separately, regardless of 

whether it comes from a new agency. 

5. A primary requestor is an agency that initially contacts CRI-TAC and requests assistance, and a peer agency addition is an 

agency that did not initially contact CRI-TAC but participated in the technical assistance by invitation of the primary requestor, 

CRI-TAC staff, or other law enforcement partners such as U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. 
12 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

“CRI-TAC has assembled an impressive coalition of leading national law 

enforcement organizations to pool our collective resources and expertise 

in support of law enforcement across the nation, and we are proud to 

continue our partnership. We have seen the value of the model CRI-TAC 

has established of providing training and technical assistance for the field, 

by the field. The depth and breadth of support that CRI-TAC provides to 

the field is incomparable.” 

— Mike Becar, Executive Director, IADLEST 

Figure 2. Status of technical assistance requests 

Withdrawn 

3% 

1% 

TA pending 

2% 

TA in progress 

10% 

TA completed 

84% 

Referred 

Rejected 

<1% 

Values may not exactly equal 100% because of rounding 
13 

eer exchange

aining

On-site consultation

eview/assistance

Virtual coaching/mentoring

aining 

aleferr

son tr

Web-based tr

ce rResour

In-per

P

olicy rP

Program Performance 

Types of TA 

TA is often provided through a multifaceted response. They can involve one or more of any of the services 

offered under CRI-TAC, such as in-person training, on-site consultation, peer exchanges, policy reviews, and 

more. Training deliveries are a force multiplier and account for the large number of law enforcement agencies 

CRI-TAC has assisted as primary and peer agency additions. As shown in figure 3, resource referrals and inperson training have been part of most TA deliveries. On-site and virtual consultations are the next most frequent forms of TA delivered. 

Figure 3. Types of technical assistance requested 

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Number of agencies 

Type of assistance requested 

CRI-TAC has provided training and TA on 31 distinct topics. The five most frequent trainings are the following: 

1. De-escalation

2. Active Shooter Response

3. Leadership

4. Community Engagement

5. Officer Safety and Wellness
14 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

“Time and time again, CRI-TAC delivers on their promise to provide timely 

and relevant assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide. We 

at the Major County Sheriffs of America remain proud partners in this 

invaluable and much-needed effort.” 

— Middlesex County (Massachusetts) Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, President, MCSA (2020-2021) 

Agency participation 

Law enforcement agencies participating in the program were diverse in size, type, and geographic representation. As shown in figure 4, TA recipients came from all regions of the United States, plus Puerto Rico, Guam, 

and the District of Columbia. 

Figure 4. Map of CRI-TAC TA recipients in 2022 

As in previous years, and as shown in figure 5 on page 15, local law enforcement agencies made up the majority (61 percent) of TA recipients through CRI-TAC. Campus public safety departments (16 percent) and sheriffs’ 

offices (14 percent) made up most of the remainder of TA recipients. State, tribal, and “other” types of law 

enforcement agencies each made up less than 5 percent of TA recipients. 

Primary requestor 

Peer agency addition 
15 

Campus

Local

Sheriff

State

ribal T

Other 

Program Performance 

Figure 5. Types of agencies participating in collaborative reform 

500

Number of agencies participating

in collaborative reform 

400

300

200

100

0

Type of agency 

“In a time of transformation for law enforcement, CRI-TAC gives 

agencies the opportunity to implement proven strategies, guided by 

experts in the profession.” 

— Mitch Cunningham, Chief Law Enforcement Advisor, NSA 

The size of agencies receiving technical assistance from CRI-TAC ranged from those with just one or two sworn 

personnel to large agencies with 500 or more. As is the case nationally, most CRI-TAC agencies (53.9 percent) 

had fewer than 50 sworn personnel. Mid-size and large agencies with 100 to 499 sworn personnel represented 

the second-greatest number of those receiving TA from CRI-TAC at 18.8 percent. Figure 6 on page 16 shows a 

complete breakdown of agency size. 
16 

0-49

50-99

00-499

500-999

000+ 1

1

Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Figure 6. Size of agencies participating in collaborative reform 

400

Number of agencies

300

200

100

0

Number of sworn offcers 

CRI-TAC client satisfaction 

At the completion of each TA engagement, CRI-TAC administers a client satisfaction survey to all primary 

requestors on their overall satisfaction with the service they received. The survey includes a total of 26 questions, 19 of which allow for Likert-scale responses, while the remaining 7 call for open-ended responses. A 

total of 35 respondents from 32 agencies provided feedback. Of 202 completed TA engagements with primary 

TA requestors, this represents a 15 percent agency response rate.6 

The client satisfaction survey captures key performance metrics along five domains: process, informational 

resources provided, CRI-TAC staff support, subject matter expert performance, and overall TA experience, 

each of which is described below. 

1. Process. Measures if the technical assistance is timely, easy to navigate, and a minimal burden to the 

agency 

2. Informational resources. Measures if the informational resources provided to the agency were high 

quality, relevant to the problem and agency, and useful 

3. CRI-TAC staff. Measures if the CRI-TAC staff met agency expectations and were informed about the 

process, responsive, well-organized, and prepared 

6. Four questions were missing responses from one respondent each. The total number of respondents per question is provided 

in parentheses in table 1 beginning on page 17. 
Program Performance 17 

4. Subject matter experts. Measures if the SMEs met agency expectations, had experience and expertise 

relevant to the problem and the agency, and were well-organized and prepared 

5. Technical assistance provided. Measures if the technical assistance met the agency’s expectations, was 

relevant to the problem and agency, and helped address the problem 

Table 1 provides a complete readout of survey responses, organized by domain. Across all items, respondents 

strongly agreed or agreed more than 90 percent of the time on all survey items in the client satisfaction survey. 

Table 1. Client satisfaction survey responses 

Survey question Strongly 

agree % Agree % Neutral % Disagree % Strongly 

disagree % 

1. TA process 

My agency received assistance in a 

timely manner (n = 35) 

82.9 8.6 5.7 0 2.9 

The process for requesting assistance 

was easy to navigate (n = 35) 74.3 20.0 2.9 0 2.9 

Burden placed on my agency while 

receiving TA was minimal (n = 35) 80.0 14.3 2.9 0 2.9 

2. Informational resources 

Informational resources provided to 

my agency were high quality (n = 35) 68.6 25.7 5.7 0 0 

Informational resources provided 

to my agency were relevant to my 

problem (n = 35) 

80.0 14.3 5.7 0 0 

Informational resources provided 

to my agency were relevant to my 

agency (n = 35) 

77.1 17.1 5.7 0 0 

Informational resources provided to 

my agency were useful (n = 34) 76.5 20.6 2.9 0 0 

3. CRI-TAC staff 

CRI-TAC staff met our expectations 

(n = 34) 88.2 11.8 0 0 0 

CRI-TAC staff were well-informed 

about the process (n = 35) 85.7 11.4 2.9 0 0 
18 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Table 1. Client satisfaction survey responses cont’d 

Survey question Strongly 

agree % Agree % Neutral % Disagree % Strongly 

disagree % 

CRI-TAC staff were responsive 

throughout the process (n = 35) 

80.0 20 0 0 0 

CRI-TAC staff were well-organized 

and prepared throughout the process 

(n = 34) 

82.9 11.4 5.7 0 0 

4. Subject matter experts 

CRI-TAC SMEs met expectations 

(n = 35) 85.7 8.6 5.7 0 0 

CRI-TAC SMEs had expertise relevant 

to our problem (n =34) 85.3 11.8 2.9 0 0 

CRI-TAC SMEs had expertise relevant 

to our agency (n = 35) 77.1 20.0 2.9 0 0 

CRI-TAC SMEs were well-organized 

and prepared throughout the process 

(n =35) 

80.0 17.1 2.9 0 0 

5. Overall experience with TA 

Overall, the assistance provided met 

my agency’s expectations (n = 35) 82.9 11.4 2.9 2.9 0 

Overall, the assistance provided was 

relevant to the problem (n = 35) 82.9 14.3 0 0 0 

Overall, the assistance provided was 

relevant to my agency (n = 35) 85.7 14.3 0 0 0 

Overall, the assistance provided will 

help my agency address its problem 

(n = 35) 

82.9 17.1 0 0 0 

Training evaluation 

A standard training evaluation survey is administered to all training and webinar participants about their CRITAC training experience. To date, CRI-TAC has provided training to 3,718 agency personnel, of whom 750 (20 

percent)7 have provided survey responses based on various training topics such as active shooter response, 

7. Some training evaluations had incomplete data. The total number of responses per survey question is noted in table 2 

beginning on page 22. 
Program Performance 19 

building analytic capacity, de-escalation, leadership, first-line supervision, crisis intervention, hate crimes 

recognition, intelligence-led policing, problem-solving, and trauma-informed interviewing.8 Training evaluation 

surveys capture participant perceptions and feedback on four domains: 

1. Self-reported knowledge, skills, and abilities 

2. Course content 

3. Training delivery 

4. Overall training experience 

1,773 participants trained in 2021 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities gain 

In the training evaluation survey, trainees are asked to self-assess their level of knowledge, skills, and abilities 

(KSA), collectively, on the subject of the training both before and after participating in the course. Response 

options for these questions are none, little, basic, intermediate, and advanced. Given the various types and 

levels of training offered through CRI-TAC, trainees’ before and after self-assessments of their KSAs also varied 

accordingly. However, maintenance and improvement in KSAs is a goal for all training. Therefore, examining the 

difference in before and after KSA self-assessments for all trainings conducted through CRI-TAC combined is an 

important measure of performance in training delivery. 

Figure 7 on page 20 illustrates the change in KSAs as reported by all training evaluation respondents, reported 

as increases, decreases, or no change. Overall, a majority (64.7 percent) of respondents reported an increase by 

one or more KSA levels. Most (34.8 percent) of the remainder of respondents reported no increase in KSAs. Last, 

a small number (> 1 percent) of respondents indicated a lower level of KSA after training participation. 

8. Notably, a large proportion (30 percent) of training evaluations came from a large contingent of trauma-informed 

interviewing training participants. 
20 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Figure 7. CRI-TAC training evaluation—change in KSAs 

Moved down 1 KSA 

.5 % 

Moved up 3 KSAs 

Moved up 2 KSAs 

10% 

Moved up 1 KSA 

53% 

No change 

35% 

.5% 

Moved up 4 KSAs 1% 

“This by far was the most engaging, rewarding, and useful training I have 

ever had the chance to attend. The concepts taught were presented in 

such a way that by the end of the training, I felt as though I had always 

been using those skills.” 

— Training survey 

“This was a positive reminder that I need to grow as a person and as a 

supervisor, learning to have humility and to continue to strive to show 

officers how much I respect and appreciate their service. Sometimes this 

class fortified my approaches and shows I’m on the right track.” 

— Training survey 
Program Performance 21 

“I came into the course not sure what to expect and how it would benefit 

me but left understanding the value of the course content and having 

new skills to apply to my personal and professional life.” 

— Training survey 

“The course helps define what police officers often learn through 

experience as they deal with the wide variety of people we come into 

contact with. I believe that having some of this knowledge early on in 

an officer’s career may help bridge the . . . experience gap we see in the 

newer generation [of] officers.” 

— Training survey 

“Yes, this course opened my eyes to the fact that most likely, we are 

underreporting or just completely not reporting hate crimes in my 

jurisdiction.” 

— Training survey 

“Fantastic class. I had an epiphany when you discussed the brain functions 

of the abuser and the victim.” 

— Training survey 

Satisfaction with course content, delivery, and overall experience 

Overall, as shown in table 2 on page 22, trainees reported strongly agreeing or agreeing more than 90 percent 

of the time on all training evaluation questions across all domains. The only remarkable variation appears 

across domains, where training delivery generally has more “strongly agree” responses than does course content 

and overall experience. 
22 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Table 2. Training evaluation responses 

Survey question Strongly 

agree % Agree % Neutral % Disagree % Strongly 

disagree % 

Course content 

Training objectives were 

explicitly stated and 

understandable (n = 749) 

65.0 31.1 3.1 0.4 0.4 

Course provided knowledge 

and skills needed to 

accomplish job for which 

I am receiving training 

(n = 747) 

57.2 36.7 5.2 0.5 0.4 

Course content is 

appropriate for someone 

within my professional 

field (n = 749) 

70.9 25.6 2.7 0.3 0.5 

Course content is 

appropriate for someone 

with my level of experience 

(n = 750) 

64.1 30.0 3.6 1.5 0.8 

Delivery 

Instructor(s) were prepared 

(n = 742) 79.5 19.1 0.8 0.1 0.4 

Instructor(s) used 

instructional time 

effectively (n = 744) 

75.8 20.0 2.4 1.1 0.7 

Instructor(s) demonstrated 

thorough knowledge of 

course content (n = 746) 

82.2 15.7 1.7 0 0.4 

Instructor(s) were able 

to answer questions clearly 

and understandably 

(n = 744) 

76.5 19.5 3.2 0.4 0.4 

Instructor(s) conducted 

the course in a skilled 

and competent manner 

(n = 746) 

79.4 18.5 1.1 0.7 0.4 

Instructor(s) encouraged 

student participation 

(n = 744) 

72.7 21.0 5.4 0.5 0.4 
Program Performance 23 

Table 2. Training evaluation responses cont’d 

Survey question Strongly 

agree % Agree % Neutral % Disagree % Strongly 

disagree % 

Instructor(s) fostered a 

positive and stimulating 

learning environment 

(n = 746) 

75.6 21.3 2.0 0.7 0.4 

Instructor(s) covered all the 

course learning objectives 

(n = 744) 

73.8 23.1 2.2 0.5 0.4 

Overall, the performance 

of the instructor(s) met 

my needs and expectations 

(n = 742) 

74.3 21.4 2.8 1.1 0.4 

Overall experience 

Overall, the course met 

my needs and expectations 

(n = 745) 

60.9 31.1 5.5 1.5 0.9 

Overall, the course is 

effective in meeting 

its goals and objectives 

(n = 745) 

64.4 30.3 3.6 0.9 0.7 

“The training, technical assistance, and consultations provided to police 

organizations across the United States by CRI-TAC offer tremendous 

benefits to law enforcement agencies. The NTOA is proud to work 

alongside other CRI-TAC member associations to deliver needed training 

to those agencies who otherwise may not receive it.” 

— Buck Rogers, Program Manager, National Tactical Officers Association 
24 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Long-term impact 

One of the pillars of community policing is organizational transformation.9 Technical assistance efforts are one 

of the COPS Office’s tools to help jump-start an agency’s realignment of resources, staffing, and operations. 

To understand the impact of TA, CRI-TAC sends a long-term impact survey link to all closed-out primary 

requesting agencies six months after the initial customer satisfaction survey. The goal is to better understand 

the lasting impact of the technical assistance on their knowledge, perceptions, and outlooks. 

Like the previous surveys, this voluntary information helps CRI-TAC continually assess the delivery of technical 

assistance. To date, just 14 respondents from 13 TA recipient agencies have responded to the survey. 

Overall, agencies generally agree or strongly agree that CRI-TAC assistance has enabled them to meet several 

long-term impact goals: 

• Greater capacity to address the problem 

• Greater knowledge to address the problem 

• Greater overall effectiveness 

• Improved policies 

• Improved practices 

• Improved training 

• Sustained improvements 

Figure 8 on page 25 illustrates the responses to the long-term post impact survey. 

9. “Organizational Transformation,” Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, accessed May 12, 2022, 

https://cops.usdoj.gov/organizationaltransformation. 

“The resources received and input from the CRI-TAC Team have been 

embedded into our mission, vision and guiding principles, [and] in-service 

training and are continuing to guide us in community outreach (press, 

podcasts, social media, etc.).” 

— Parsons, Kansas, long-term survey response 
Program Performance 25 

Figure 8. Long-term impact survey responses 

My agency has improved its policies as 

a result of the technical assistance provided 

My agency has improved its training as a result 

of the technical assistance provided 

My agency has improved its practices as 

a result of the technical assistance provided 

My agency has improved its overall effectiveness in addressing 

the problem as a result of the technical assistance provided 

My agency has greater knowledge to solve the problem 

as a result of the technical assistance provided 

My agency has greater capacity to solve the problem 

as a result of the technical assistance provided 

The improvements made as a result 

of technical assistance have been sustained 

7% 86% 7% 

50% 27% 14% 7% 

21% 79% 

21% 79% 

36% 64% 

21% 71% 7% 

29% 62% 7% 

0 3 6 9 12 15 

Strongly 

agree Agree Neutral n/a Disagree n/a Strongly disagree 

Not 

applicable 

Values may not exactly equal 100% because of rounding 

Technical assistance summaries 

The following sections include eight summaries on TA engagements. From in-depth briefings by SMEs to policy 

reviews and training opportunities on critical topics in law enforcement today, these summaries illustrate the 

diverse types of assistance law enforcement agencies are benefiting from through CRI-TAC. 

Developing a strategic plan to support an enhanced public safety approach 

1. CRI-TAC profile: Saline (Michigan) Police Department 

Agency size: 15 sworn 

Population served (est.): 9,500 

Topic(s): Leadership, strategic planning 

Technical assistance: Resource referral, virtual coaching/mentoring, on-site consultation 

Status: Completed 
26 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

The Saline (Michigan) Police Department (SPD) requested assistance with developing a strategic plan focused 

on the vision and goals of the organization, including a roadmap for how the vision and goals would be 

accomplished. The CRI-TAC team, including CRI-TAC partner NOBLE, engaged the SPD by reviewing the SPD’s 

materials and efforts on strategic planning, including the SPD mission, vision, and values; collected observa-

-

-

tions through phone calls; and guided the SPD’s development of goals, metrics, and timelines to inform an 

SPD-developed strategic plan. 

Consultation included two on-site visits to the department and participation in discussions with SPD command 

staff, SPD front-line and civilian personnel, the SPD Strategic Planning Committee, and community stake

holders. Further, CRI-TAC assisted the SPD in the review and incorporation of input from community surveys; 

agency data; and an internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) exercise into the overall 

strategic planning process. Leveraging the information gathered from the technical assistance, the SPD is final

izing its department strategic plan and developing action plans for each focus area of the strategic plan. 

“The partnership with CRI-TAC has been instrumental in building 

relationships and trust with our community. They guided [us] through 

the strategic planning process by outlining a comprehensive plan, 

biweekly check-up calls, and guidance from subject matter expert and 

mentor, Chief James Golden. I consider the CRI-TAC staff part of our law 

enforcement family and strongly encourage fellow executives to review 

their website to see how they can help you—we can’t do this alone.” 

— Jerrod Hart, Former Chief, Saline (Michigan) Police Department 

CRI-TAC SME onsite 
Program Performance 27 

Enhancing community partnerships and problem-solving 

to assist individuals facing homelessness 

2. CRI-TAC profile: Denton (Texas) Police Department 

Agency size: 200 sworn 

Population served (est.): 130,000 

Topic(s): Community engagement, homeless populations 

Technical assistance: Resource referral, in-person training, virtual 

coaching/mentoring, on-site consultation, agency peer exchange 

Status: In progress 

The Denton (Texas) Police Department (DPD) requested assistance on expanding and enhancing a new Homeless 

Outreach Team (HOT), including guidance on navigating collaborations and partnerships between law enforce-

-

ment, social service agencies, and advocates for individuals facing homelessness. The CRI-TAC team worked 

alongside the DPD’s HOT to remotely review the current program and policies and provide feedback based on 

promising practices and model policies. 

An on-site visit allowed CRI-TAC a deeper understanding of the HOT workload, homeless encampments and 

geography, and community resources. The CRI-TAC team and the HOT met with service providers, and ride

alongs with the HOT provided the CRI-TAC team the opportunity to provide feedback and offer considerations 

to strengthen the HOT. While on-site, the CRI-TAC team provided a two-hour briefing to DPD officers and social 

service providers on the benefits of a HOT program, including how to strengthen community partnerships in 

support of the program goals and objectives and a discussion on services in lieu of detention. 

CRI-TAC SME with the Denton, Texas, HOT 

staff (above left) 

CRI-TAC SME presenting to Denton (Texas) 

Police Department (right) 
28 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

CRI-TAC is currently coordinating an agency peer exchange with the Wichita (Kansas) Police Department (WPD) 

for DPD personnel to observe, learn, and further network with peers on the program. During this visit, the DPD 

team will shadow the WPD’s HOT and participate in a ride-along to witness the practical application of what 

was learned during the on-site briefing and consultation. 

As a result of the technical assistance provided to date, the DPD is applying best practices throughout their 

HOT. The DPD has implemented considerations from the SME and is actively leveraging resources available to 

provide enhanced assistance and services to the city’s homeless population. 

Assisting with recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts 

3. CRI-TAC profile: Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Police Department 

Agency size: 6,375 sworn 

Population served (est.): 1.584 million 

Topic(s): Recruitment, hiring, and retention 

Technical assistance: Resource referral, virtual coaching/mentoring 

Status: Completed 

Like many agencies across the country, the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Police Department (PPD) was experienc-

-

-

ing a shortage of diverse, interested, and qualified candidates for officer positions. To address these challenges, 

the PPD sought technical assistance from CRI-TAC on recruitment, hiring, and retention with a goal of develop

ing a roadmap for improved strategies. 

The CRI-TAC team reviewed PPD recruitment, hiring, and retention policies, procedures, and protocols. CRITAC worked in partnership with the PPD Recruitment and Retention Unit and the Police Academy in addition 

to key internal stakeholders for this effort. Document review, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis were 

employed to obtain insight into agency operations, current efforts, and goals. Information gathered and syn

thesized through this process focused on the following: 

• Business processes for recruiting, hiring, and retaining candidates from onset through academy 

• Recruitment materials and strategies 

• Staffing and capacity of the recruitment and background investigation units based on workload demand 

• Pressure points or barriers to candidate hiring, onboarding, and training 

• Eligibility and threshold requirements for candidate entrance to the Police Academy, including applicable 

legal standards 

• Retention strategies including civilian-to-sworn pathways for professional opportunities 
Program Performance 29 

Using the data and information gathered, a CRI-TAC written deliverable was produced for the PPD offering 

considerations in the key areas of (1) recruitment, including outreach strategy, marketing and communication, 

and recruitment unit workload; (2) selection, hiring, and attrition through academy and field training; (3) reten-

-

-

tion efforts post-academy and post-field training; and (4) boundaries and change management in relation to 

requirements that may impede innovative implementation strategies. 

As a result of the TA, the PPD has begun to implement organizational changes and plans to continue leveraging 

the written deliverable for process improvement ideas and opportunities as they move forward. 

Establishing a tribal law enforcement agency to meet 

the needs of the community 

4. CRI-TAC profile: Catawba Indian Nation (South Carolina) 

Agency size: N/A 

Population served (est.): 2,800 

Topic(s):Tribal law enforcement, recruitment, hiring, and retention 

Technical assistance: Resource referral, virtual coaching/mentoring 

Status: Completed 

The Catawba Nation of Rock Hill, South Carolina, is reestablishing a tribal law enforcement agency that reflects 

the uniqueness of the Nation and that will be sustainable. The agency was awarded a DOJ Coordinated Tribal 

Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) grant to create a strategic plan for this undertaking. A requirement of the award 

is that the Nation have a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with their jurisdictional neighbors. The Nation 

requested assistance from CRI-TAC to craft an MOA that considers the unique circumstances of their settle

ment agreement. 

The CRI-TAC team assisted the Nation in establishing a timetable for the creation of a tribal law enforcement 

agency. CRI-TAC helped the Nation cultivate a relationship and craft an MOA with the local sheriff’s office. In 

addition, the TA assisted the Nation with developing a cross-deputization agreement with the state and creat

ing a selection process for a new Director of Public Safety position. 

The Nation has successfully hired a Director of Public Safety who is now leading the implementation of the 

CTAS grant and solidifying the partnerships with the local sheriff and the state as they stand up a tribal 

police department. 
30 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

“Partnering with CRI-TAC allowed the Catawba Nation to learn strategies 

and practical skills from law enforcement professionals working in 

Indian country. Learning from those who have been met with the same 

challenges as we have while establishing a police department and dealing 

with jurisdictional issues that arise on reservations has been an invaluable 

experience due to the complexity of law enforcement in Indian country. 

Through this experience, we have formed relationships that we will 

continue to maintain and look to for guidance thanks to CRI-TAC.” 

— Lydia Locklear, Deputy Attorney, Catawba Nation 

Improving use of force policies and procedures 

to strengthen operational standards 

5. CRI-TAC profile: Lake Charles (Louisiana) Police Department 

Agency size: 143 sworn 

Population served (est.): 80,000 

Topic(s): Use of force 

Technical assistance: Resource referral, virtual coaching/mentoring, policy assistance 

Status: Completed 

The Lake Charles (Louisiana) Police Department (LCPD) requested review and guidance in five policy areas. 

In October 2020, CRI-TAC added use of force to its topical menu, opening an opportunity for the agency to 

request assistance in a priority area of need. Policy topics selected by LCPD included use of force, pursuit, 

officer-involved shooting, officer investigation, and employee conduct and discipline. 

The CRI-TAC team reviewed LCPD policies and providing feedback and identifying areas for enhancement. The 

review compared the LCPD’s policies to best practices, model policies, and state accreditation standards. The TA 

presented a valuable learning opportunity for the agency, which included the incorporation of elements that 

had not previously been considered and resulted in the successful update of all five policies. 
 

Program Performance 31 

“If my 29 years in policing have taught me anything it’s that law 

enforcement is an ever-evolving field and complacency is our worst 

enemy. With that in mind, I reached out to CRI-TAC in order to get a 

sense of where we were compared to other agencies around the country. 

The process reassured us that we were going in the right direction while 

demonstrating the need for continued learning and improvement.” 

— Shawn Caldwell, Chief, Lake Charles (Louisiana) Police Department 

Guiding the development of an officer safety and wellness program to better 

serve deputies and staff 

6. CRI-TAC profile: Sedgwick County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office 

Agency size: 183 sworn 

Population served (est.): 516,000 

Topic(s): Officer safety and wellness 

Technical assistance: Resource referral, virtual coaching/mentoring, 

on-site consultation, agency peer exchange 

Status: Completed 

The Sedgwick County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) requested assistance establishing a formal officer safety 

and wellness (OSW) program inclusive of a peer support component. The SCSO was seeking assistance with 

model policies and procedures to include guidance for vetting staff psychologists and other appropriate wellness professionals to ensure success in program implementation. 

“I want to personally thank CRI-TAC for their much-needed experience, 

assistance, and professionalism while working with the Sedgwick County 

Sheriff’s Office on expanding our Health and Wellness Program. The 

connection CRI-TAC gave us to the Metropolitan Nashville (Tennessee) 

Police Department (MNPD) was invaluable. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s 

Office is indebted to CRI-TAC and MNPD. If we can be of any assistance to 

either agency, we would be thrilled to answer the call.” 

— Jeff Easter, Sheriff, Sedgwick County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office 
32 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

The CRI-TAC coordinated to send three members of the SCSO to the Metropolitan Nashville (Tennessee) Police 

Department (MNPD) for a peer agency exchange to gain access to a wider peer network in the MNPD and to the 

Davidson County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office for coordination and collaboration. In addition, the SMEs traveled 

to the SCSO for on-site consultation, which provided perspective on SCSO goals and objectives, desired outcomes, and the administrative and operational steps to achieve those goals. The consultation assisted the SCSO 

with developing a framework for establishing formal OSW and peer support programs, policies, and operations. 

“For close to a year, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office was paired 

with several subject matter experts to facilitate the creation of our peer 

support team and wellness unit. We had the good fortune of working 

with David Kennington and Lt. Michael Gooch from the Metropolitan 

Nashville (Tennessee) Police Department and Sherri Martin, National 

FOP Wellness Coordinator. The guidance, insight, and advice they gave 

proved crucial in the development of our program. Thanks to their 

tutelage, we have created a thriving peer team, expanded our wellness 

unit, and created lasting friendships. We are forever grateful to the CRITAC program and for David, Michael, and Sherri and their continued 

collaboration and partnership.” 

— Wendy S. Hummell, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Sedgwick County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office 

As a result of the technical assistance, the SCSO is expanding its peer support and OSW programs to include 

hiring staff for a formal wellness unit. This expansion of the wellness unit includes working to hire an in-house 

clinician and implement lessons learned from the SMEs to improve peer support. 

“As a CRI-TAC subject matter expert, I am tasked with helping agencies 

achieve their desired goals. One of the greatest benefits is the ability to 

develop relationships during the process. By doing this, I have discovered 

different avenues for my own success by learning from other agencies. 

The Sedgwick County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office engagement was no 

exception. I was able to evaluate what they were doing for officer 

wellness and bring back several ideas for our men and women.” 

— Michael Gooch, Lieutenant, Metropolitan Nashville (Tennessee) Police Department 
Program Performance 33 

Preparing for mass demonstrations to balance public 

safety and constitutional rights 

7. CRI-TAC profile: Wake Forest University (North Carolina) Police Department 

Agency size: 26 sworn 

Population served (est.): 10,000 

Topic(s): Mass demonstration response, school safety 

Technical assistance: Resource referral, in-person training 

Status: Completed 

The Wake Forest University Police Department (WFUPD) in North Carolina wanted to ensure their agency 

was prepared to respond to protests and mass demonstrations. The International Association of Campus Law 

Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), a CRI-TAC partner, delivered two sessions of Public Safety Response to 

Public Demonstrations and Crowd Control to the WFUPD and neighboring universities and police departments. 

The four-hour course highlighted recent and past case studies of free speech events occurring on college and 

university campuses and incorporated lessons learned from select high-profile incidents. The CRI-TAC services 

brought WFUPD and regional agencies together around an effective and integrated approach to these types 

of events. 

Shortly after delivery of this training, the WFUPD encountered two different protest events on campus, 

one of which had 400 students engaged in a very short window of time because of coordination efforts on 

social media. As a result of the training, WFUPD felt prepared ahead of these protests in the critical areas 

of regional planning, preparedness, and awareness. The WFUPD further plans to leverage the training across 

other departments to integrate it into the university’s event preparedness strategy through tabletop exercises 

with each department. 

How to Request Technical Assistance 

Requesting assistance through CRI-TAC is a simple, low-burden process. Throughout the process, we work with 

requesting agencies to ensure the technical assistance approach reflects its needs and meets expectations. The 

steps for initiating a request are listed here. 

7,717 website hits in 2021 

Step 1. Inquiry 

Once a requesting agency is ready, they can submit an inquiry via www.collaborativereform.org. CRI-TAC can 

only accept requests from U.S. law enforcement agencies, and the chief executive of the agency must authorize 

the request. 

“We received an offer for this training within a week or so of our 

original request. The timing was PERFECT! The application process was 

fast and easy. Because our department has a large classroom, we easily 

accommodated the students and instructors. We had little to no ‘burden’.” 

— West Linn (Oregon) Police Department customer satisfaction response 
 

36 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

Step 2. Intake call 

Once the request is received, CRI-TAC staff will contact the requestor to schedule an intake call. The call will 

include CRI-TAC staff and partners. This call gives the requesting agency the opportunity to discuss the request 

and technical assistance needs. 

53 intake calls in 2021 

Step 3. Technical assistance request 

Following the intake call, CRI-TAC will develop a formal technical assistance request for review and approval. 

Once approved, the requestor will be sent the technical assistance request for input and approval. Continuing 

to be nimble and reduce the burden on the agency, certain requests may be identified as a fast-track request 

and skip this step. 

“The CRI-TAC team demonstrated tremendous professionalism and 

flexibility as we had to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic while 

still meeting the expectations that had been mutually agreed upon by our 

agency and the members of the CRI-TAC team.” 

— Leland (North Carolina) Police Department customer satisfaction response 
How to Request Technical Assistance 37 

Step 4. Technical assistance work plan 

Once the request is completed, CRI-TAC will develop a technical assistance work plan. This work plan includes a 

detailed description of the technical assistance, SMEs, and staff assigned to the project. The work plan is subject 

to the requesting agency’s review, input, and approval before the start of technical assistance delivery. 

“CRI-TAC did not just educate our agency on peer support and wellness 

programming but set us up for how we are proceeding forward with our 

wellness initiative.” 

— Sedgwick County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office customer satisfaction response 

Step 5. Technical assistance delivery 

Once the law enforcement executive approves the work plan, CRI-TAC will initiate the technical assistance 

delivery. Throughout the delivery, CRI-TAC will continue to ensure the agency’s needs are met with regular 

communication. 

Upon the conclusion of the technical assistance, CRI-TAC will request agency feedback through a customer satisfaction survey. This feedback will help CRI-TAC to make improvements to the program and ensure the needs 

of the field are being met. 

Figure 12. Simple, low-burden process 

Inquiry Intake

call

Technical

assistance

request

Technical

assistance

delivery

Work

plan

“We very much appreciate the support and assistance of the CRI-TAC 

team! We would not have been able to fund, build the comprehensive 

enhancements, nor effectively deliver the training without the valuable 

experience of the CRI-TAC staff and instructors who provided the direct 

support and assistance.” 

— Council Bluffs (Iowa) Police Department customer satisfaction response 

On Deck in 2022 

Opportunities abound in 2022. In addition to our continued technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, 

CRI-TAC is developing and implementing various training initiatives and tailored resources. 

Furthering active bystander techniques 

CRI-TAC partner IADLEST is revising two trainings (direct and train-the-trainer) that will provide law enforce-

-

-

ment with the knowledge and skills necessary to intervene or support an intervention when necessary to pre

vent misconduct or unethical behavior by an officer. CRI-TAC had a successful pilot with the Fayetteville (North 

Carolina) Police Department and is aiming to release the full training suite in summer 2022. 

“IADLEST was pleased to share our expertise in curriculum development 

with CRI-TAC this year. We are confident that the curricula for Hate 

Crimes and Peer Intervention / Active Bystandership, which we worked 

with CRI-TAC to develop and pilot, is timely and fills a critical need in the 

field. These will be valuable resources and have a measurable impact on 

the field now and in the future.” 

— Peggy Schaefer, Project Manager, IADLEST 

Translating training to address tribal missing persons cases 

CRI-TAC continues to expand outreach to tribes and tribal law enforcement agencies through efforts such as 

partnering with the DOJ Tribal Access Program and DOJ efforts to address missing or murdered Indigenous 

persons, including the DOJ Steering Committee10 launched to address the crisis of missing or murdered Indige

nous persons in support of Executive Order 14053.11 

10. Lisa Monaco, deputy attorney general of the United States, “Steering Committee to Address the Crisis of Missing 

or Murdered Indigenous Persons,” memorandum to U.S. Department of Justice heads of components, November 15, 2021, 

https://www.justice.gov/dag/page/file/1448271/download. 

11. Executive Order 14053 of November 15, 2021, “Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native 

Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People,” Federal Register 86, no. 220 (2021), 

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-11-18/pdf/2021-25287.pdf. 
40 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

CRI-TAC is currently piloting the Introduction for Leadership: Volunteer Engagement for American Indian and 

Alaska Native Missing Persons Cases and Volunteer Engagement for American Indian and Alaska Native Missing 

Persons Cases trainings with Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation in Montana 

and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation in Washington. These two trainings developed in 

partnership with the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and the Office of Tribal Justice introduce the 

use of volunteers and victim service considerations as they pertain to missing person cases to tribal leadership. 

In addition, the trainings introduce to tribal law enforcement the basic elements and practices for creating a 

volunteer engagement program to support missing person cases. 

Using the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare 

for future events 

As referenced in the third annual report,12 CRI-TAC quickly implemented a COVID-19 impact surveillance 

mechanism. Based on hundreds of meetings and conversations, information from the field, observations, and 

analysis, CRI-TAC will be releasing a report highlighting challenges, adaptations, and promising practices that 

can be used by law enforcement to prepare for the future. The report will be released in 2022. 

Supporting de-escalation research 

As referenced in the third annual report,13 de-escalation training is highly requested by CRI-TAC sites. To meet 

the high demand, CRI-TAC partnered with the Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) at the University of 

Tennessee Institute for Public Service to develop an Applied De-escalation Tactics Training program. The training 

provides law enforcement personnel the necessary tools and skills to de-escalate a situation. CRI-TAC research 

partner the University of Cincinnati (UC) is currently assessing officer receptivity and attitudinal changes to 

better understand how agencies are planning to implement the training, challenges, and lessons learned. The 

findings and considerations will be released in 2022. 

12. COPS Office, Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field: Collaborative Reform Third Annual Review (see note 1). 

13. COPS Office, Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field: Collaborative Reform Third Annual Review (see note 1). 
On Deck in 2022 41 

Enhancing community engagement efforts 

CRI-TAC is excited to continue our virtual multipart Community Engagement Mini-Series dedicated to bringing innovative community engagement practices to the field. The initial webinars are incorporating COVID-19 

practices, but this mini-series will broaden to include other aspects of community engagement. In 2021, the 

first webinar, Maintaining Campus Community Relations During a Pandemic, had 86 attendees and focused on 

important community engagement elements on campuses. 

Continuing service to the field 

As demonstrated by the volume of requests received to date, the field’s interest in TA through the COPS Office 

and our partners in CRI-TAC is strong. During 2022, we will continue working diligently with key partners, SMEs, 

and the field to ensure our nation’s law enforcement get the assistance, training, support, and resources they 

need to protect the communities they serve. 

About the CRI-TAC Partners 

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 

The IACP is the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders. With more than 

31,000 members in 165 countries, the IACP is a recognized leader in global policing, known for its commitment 

to enhancing community safety by shaping the future of the police profession. Through timely research, pro-

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-

gramming, and unparalleled training opportunities, the IACP is preparing current and emerging police leaders— 

and the agencies and communities they serve—to succeed in addressing the most pressing issues, threats, and 

challenges of the day. 

FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Inc. 

The FBINAA is a nonprofit, international organization of 17,000 senior law enforcement professionals dedicated 

to providing our communities, states, countries, and profession with the highest degree of law enforcement 

expertise, training, education, and information. Members are graduates of the FBI’s prestigious National Acad

emy program, representing all 50 states, 170 countries, and more than 7,500 law enforcement agencies. More 

than 52,000 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy Program. 

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) 

The FOP is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 364,000 

members in more than 2,100 lodges. We are the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and 

serving our communities. We are committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers 

and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and 

employee representation. 

International Association of Campus Law Enforcement 

Administrators (IACLEA) 

IACLEA is the largest professional association devoted to excellence in campus public safety and law enforce

ment. Our members are police chiefs, public safety directors, law enforcement officers, and security personnel 

at higher education institutions across the globe. IACLEA is the leading authority for campus public safety. 
44 Law Enforcement Solutions By the Field, For the Field 

International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement 

Standards and Training (IADLEST) 

IADLEST’s mission is to support the innovative development of professional standards in public safety 

through research, development, collaboration and sharing of information, to assist states and international 

partners with establishing effective and defensible standards for the employment and training of public 

safety personnel. 

Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) 

MCSA is a professional law enforcement association of the largest elected sheriffs’ offices representing counties 

or parishes with populations of 500,000 or more. We are dedicated to preserving the highest integrity in law 

enforcement and the elected Office of the Sheriff. Our membership represents more than 120 million citizens. 

National Association of Women Law Enforcement 

Executives (NAWLEE) 

NAWLEE is the first organization established to address the unique needs of women holding senior manage-

-

ment positions in law enforcement. NAWLEE’s mission is to serve and further the interests of women executives 

and those who aspire to be executives in law enforcement. Membership is open to women and men in munic

ipal, campus, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies or employed in a profession related to law 

enforcement who support diversity in the profession. 

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement 

Executives (NOBLE) 

Since 1976, NOBLE has served as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. 

NOBLE represents more than 3,500 members worldwide, who are primarily African-American chief executive 

officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county and municipal levels; other law enforcement 

administrators; and criminal justice practitioners. 
About the CRI-TAC Partners 45 

National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) 

Chartered in 1940, NSA is a professional association dedicated to serving the Office of Sheriff and the more 

than 3,000 locally elected sheriffs across the United States by way of various departments within NSA such as 

Government Affairs, Traffic Safety, Grants Management, and Professional Development. Sheriffs are not only 

the chief law enforcement officials in their counties; in most jurisdictions they are also responsible for court 

security and jail administration. In addition, NSA provides a wide range of law enforcement training and infor-

-

mational resources. 

National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) 

The mission of the NTOA is to enhance the performance and professional status of law enforcement person

nel by providing a credible and proven training resource as well as a forum for the development of tactics 

and information exchange. The Association’s ultimate goal is to improve public safety and domestic security 

through training, education, and tactical excellence. The National Tactical Officers Association operates with 

Veritas (truth, honesty, and integrity) in our relationships. 
About the COPS Office 

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) is the component of the U.S. Depart-

-

ment of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation’s state, local, 

territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. 

Community policing begins with a commitment to building trust and mutual respect between police and 

communities. It supports public safety by encouraging all stakeholders to work together to address our nation’s 

crime challenges. When police and communities collaborate, they more effectively address underlying issues, 

change negative behavioral patterns, and allocate resources. 

Rather than simply responding to crime, community policing focuses on preventing it through strategic prob

lem-solving approaches based on collaboration. The COPS Office awards grants to hire community policing 

officers and support the development and testing of innovative policing strategies. COPS Office funding also 

provides training and technical assistance to community members and local government leaders, as well as all 

levels of law enforcement. 

Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to add community policing officers to the 

nation’s streets, enhance crime fighting technology, support crime prevention initiatives, and provide training 

and technical assistance to help advance community policing. Other achievements include the following: 

• To date, the COPS Office has funded the hiring of approximately 130,000 additional officers by more than 

13,000 of the nation’s 18,000 law enforcement agencies in both small and large jurisdictions. 

• Nearly 700,000 law enforcement personnel, community members, and government leaders have been 

trained through COPS Office–funded training organizations. 

• Almost 700 agencies have received customized advice and peer-led technical assistance through the COPS 

Office Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center. 

• To date, the COPS Office has distributed more than eight million topic-specific publications, training curricula, white papers, and resource CDs and flash drives. 

• The COPS Office also sponsors conferences, round tables, and other forums focused on issues critical 

to law enforcement. 

COPS Office information resources, covering a wide range of community policing topics such as school and 

campus safety, violent crime, and officer safety and wellness, can be downloaded via the COPS Office’s home 

page, https://cops.usdoj.gov. 

The Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center is a partnership between the 

COPS Office and many professional law enforcement organizations throughout the field to 

provide technical assistance to law enforcement agencies on request. In its first four years, the 

center fielded close to 700 requests for assistance from campus, local, county, and state agen-

-

cies on critical issues like community engagement; active shooter response; de-escalation;

crime analysis; mass demonstrations; school safety; and recruitment, hiring, and retention. This 

report shows how the center has supported agencies in their efforts to ensure public safety in 

their communities. The COPS Office is committed to continue working diligently with our part

ners to provide high-quality, relevant, and timely assistance by the field, for the field. 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Offce of Community Oriented Policing Services 

145 N Street NE 

Washington, DC 20530 

To obtain details about COPS Offce programs, call 

the COPS Offce Response Center at 800-421-6770. 

Visit the COPS Offce online at cops.usdoj.gov. 

e042228014 

Published 2022