The National Policing Institute (the Institute) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice, are seeking applications for a federal grant program that supports the development and implementation of problem-solving strategies that specifically address violent crime occurring in and affecting rural populations. 

Agencies are encouraged to see this funding opportunity as a means to support a cross-sector team engaged in problem-solving methodologies (e.g., the SARA model1 – Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment) to address local crime challenges. The ability of applicants to articulate the nature of the crime problem to be addressed will be critical to a successful application. Funding proposals and requests may include, but are not limited to:

• Improve training and deploy technology;
• Improve communication and collaboration between state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; and
• Expand community-based crime prevention programs and partnerships with victim services providers. 

Funds may be used for various purposes to support the implementation of a site's violence reduction plans. Examples of allowable costs for equipment, personnel, and services include, but are not limited, to:

• Programs that support victims' services and community engagement
• Salary or overtime expenditures for personnel integral to violent crime reduction operations
• Crime analysis software or personnel
• Consultation services related to program design, implementation, and assessment Development or acquisition of offender-based risk assessment tools to better target investigation, intervention, or enforcement
• Development or acquisition of software, assessment tools, or services to better serve, protect, and communicate with victims and populations vulnerable to victimization
• Strategies to more effectively serve and address populations in remote areas, including ways to enhance orders of protection and improve access to services and shelter for remote populations
• Strategies and services to mitigate the risk for violent behavior in individuals dealing with mental health and/or substance use disorders, including crisis intervention programs and services
• Forensic evidence tools and services for identifying suspects or enhancing evidence, testimony, and outreach to victims
• Strategies, personnel, services, and tools to improve intragovernmental collaboration in effectively addressing rural violence problems

The objectives of the RVCRI are to:

• Deploy agency resources such as personnel, services, or analytical tools that are identified in proposals.
• Document how personnel and resources (e.g., services, software, or equipment) will be used in furtherance of an area’s crime reduction strategies; and
• Track project outcomes to determine if the violent crime reduction strategy (or strategies) have had an impact once implemented.

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)