The Richmond Police Department has been selected as one of ten departments in the nation to receive grant funding as a participating agency in the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) National Public Safety Partnership (PSP). RPD will receive intensive training and technical assistance (TTA) from DOJ in the areas of gun violence, criminal justice collaboration, investigations, constitutional policing, community engagement, federal partnerships, crime analysis, and technology to identify, assess, and implement collaborative strategies and a lasting coordination structure to prevent and combat violent crime, especially related to gun, drug, and gang violence. PSP supports DOJ’s commitment to advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community.
“This comes at a pivotal time in Richmond and at RPD, where we’re facing unprecedented challenges”, said Richmond Police Chief, Gerald M. Smith. “No single factor is more important in reducing crime than the partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities we serve, we simply cannot do it alone. This partnership is a force multiplier for RPD that affords us the opportunity to grow and learn as a department, apply proven strategies, and develop long-lasting relationships in service to our community”, said Smith.
It is critical that the Richmond Police Department invests in what works. Over the next three years, RPD will develop a collaborative network consisting of stakeholders from all corners of our community including Richmond residents, public/private businesses, coalition and community leaders, and social service and law enforcement agencies to develop comprehensive solutions to violent crime reduction. Our vision for this work is to gain better insight into the unique violent crime challenges in Richmond and determine system-wide approaches to implement crime reduction strategies and enhance public safety.
