Imperfect Justice
BJA, with its problem-solving courts demonstration initiative, embraced a grass-roots program to provide better outcomes for courts and victims, and along the way provoked debate among criminal justice practitioners about innovation and failure in the criminal justice system. Read "Imperfect Justice" for more information.

VIPS Milestone
BJA is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) effort has surpassed a major milestone. As of April 23, the VIPS Program has assisted in the establishment of over 1,700 local police volunteer programs supported by 139,138 volunteers.

Celebrate Safe Communities
Safe communities are the result of law enforcement working with residents as equal partners in preventing crime. In recognition of this principle, BJA, the National Crime Prevention Council, and the National Sheriffs' Association have joined together to Celebrate Safe Communities (CSC). The CSC project will help kickoff October as Crime Prevention Month by recognizing the vital role residents play in keeping their neighborhoods safe. Beginning October 2-4, 2008, communities across the country will host crime prevention events in neighborhoods, with schools, and in collaboration with local businesses. For more information about starting or participating in an event, visit www.CelebrateSafeCommunities.org.

National Chemical Control Conference
The National Chemical Control Conference: A Focus on Tracking Precursor Chemicals, will be held on June 10-11, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. The National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, in conjunction with the COPS Office and with the consultation of BJA, ONDCP, DEA, and Advisory Committee members, will be conducting a 1½-day conference to share with state and local officials, tribal representatives, and federal agencies the most up-to-date information on state electronic tracking systems for monitoring precursor chemicals, particularly sales of pseudoephedrine products. Register online at www.namsdl.org/regis.htm.

Criminal Intelligence Training Master Calendar
This calendar, available through the National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center, provides local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement with a single point of access to federally sponsored intelligence training programs that meet the Minimum Criminal Intelligence Training Standards. The calendar is an initiative of the Intelligence Training Coordination Working Group and the Counter-Terrorism Training Coordination Working Group and was developed with funding support from BJA.

G.R.E.A.T. National Training Conference
Register now for the 2008 G.R.E.A.T. National Training Conference, which will take place July 16–18, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri.

GMS On-line Training Tool Available
The OJP Grants Management System (GMS) On-line Training Tool assists grantees in administering their awards through the GMS. The online tool provides step-by-step instructions to complete various functions within GMS, as well as the administrative policies associated with Grant Adjustment Notices, Progress Reporting, and Closeouts.

Pandemic Influenza
BJA has developed an online information resource on Preparing the Justice System for a Pandemic Influenza and Other Public Health Emergencies. Resources recently added include two guideline documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Emergency Medical Services. Also visit www.pandemicflu.gov.

Police Executive Fellowship Program (PEFP)
As a state or local law enforcement official, are you looking for a professional management and leadership opportunity at the Department of Justice? BJA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are seeking leaders from state and local law enforcement to serve on rotational assignments at both BJA and ATF to assist with federal law enforcement policy, operations, and training that will subsequently benefit state and/or local agencies. (PEFP Fact Sheet)

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