Justice Department funding initiative targets violence threats

Department of Justice officials said its Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded a total of $2.6 million to four jurisdictions to disrupt and mitigate violence threats.

“Disruption and early engagement programs are part of the Department of Justice’s national strategy to disrupt potential mass shootings and other rapidly mobilizing threats of targeted violence,” Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen said. “This program provides funding that enables state and local authorities to work with federal partners and to develop new tools and tactics to continue protecting the safety and well-being of our communities.”

The DOJ noted the funding allotment supports state and local prosecutors and investigators seeking expertise from mental health and threat assessment experts in identifying individuals and preventing violent acts.

Disruption and early engagement programs leverage relationships with law enforcement, community groups, and health professionals resulting in the development of individualized threat assessments and mitigation plans.

The allocation is part of the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program administered by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), officials said, with funding awarded to the San Antonio, Texas, Police Department; Macon-Bibb County, Georgia; the Bear River, Utah, Health Department; and the County of Penobscot, Maine.

“There’s no question that mental health issues are a growing threat to public safety and they are straining law enforcement and correctional resources,” OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan said. “Collaboration among justice system professionals and those trained in mental health is essential to addressing these issues.”