DHS details conference addressing violence, terrorism prevention

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently touted the initial Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grantee symposium, uniting over 200 representatives from 73 grantees and partner organizations.

The effort involved sharing practices; increasing awareness of DHS resources; and fostering professional relationships among prevention practitioners. Through its Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), the agency seeks to prevent targeted violence and terrorism through funding, training, increasing public awareness, and developing partnerships.

“Through CP3, we support our partners and stakeholders in their efforts to prevent targeted violence and terrorism in their communities,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. “DHS is committed to bolstering our partners’ capacity to identify potential risks and prevent tragedies.”

The TVTP Grants Program is administered by CP3 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is the only federal grant program dedicated to bolstering targeted violence and terrorism prevention capabilities in local communities.

“Our grantees are our partners, they are force multipliers, and they bring unique expertise and experiences that allow for the development of promising practices that are relevant to specific communities and across the country,” Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism, Threat Prevention, and Law Enforcement Policy Samantha Vinograd said. “Many of the TVTP grantees have been collaborating online, but this inaugural symposium is essential to ensure grantees can share promising practices that will enable them to better support their communities.”

CP3 has invested $50 million in communities nationwide over the past three years, officials noted, as a means of preventing acts of targeted violence and terrorism.