Resources to Support Campus Law Enforcement and Public Safety to Protect Against Targeted Violence

Campus law enforcement and institutions of higher education face specific challenges, and targeted training and technical assistance (TTA) are a key tool in addressing them. The resources below range from simple guides to on-demand online training videos to in-person training for situations ranging from First Amendment-protected demonstrations to targeted violence prevention. 

• Responding to First Amendment-Protected Events: The Role of State and Local Law Enforcement Officers. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides online training videos for law enforcement to assist in understanding their roles and responsibilities as they prepare for and respond to a First Amendment-protected event; protecting the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of persons and groups participating in a First Amendment- protected event; and reinforcing fundamental concepts learned at law enforcement training academies and during in-service programs.
• Crisis Management Affecting Institutions of Higher Education: A Collaborative Community Approach – This FEMA course trains campus and community members, and others involved in crisis management duties and responsibilities related to institutions of higher education on how to effectively manage a crisis with a whole community approach, effective crisis communication, and a series of well-developed plans. The course uses FEMA's five mission areas (Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery) and has specific emphasis on the unique aspects of response to crisis management involving institutions of higher education and the communities in which they are located. The course utilizes the integration principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), case studies, and activities are presented to aid the participants in recognizing potential gaps in their current crisis management program.
• Resources for Individuals on the Threat of Doxing. Doxing refers to gathering an individual’s personally identifiable information (PII) and releasing it publicly for malicious purposes, such as public humiliation, stalking, identity theft, or targeting for harassment. This infographic outlines proactive steps individuals can take to prevent themselves from doxing. The infographic also recommends steps that can be taken to protect individuals who are victims of doxing.
• DHS Resources for Swatting and Hoax Threats. Throughout the country, schools, hospitals, businesses, places of worship, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to include U.S. government officials, journalists, celebrities, online gamers, and many other have increasingly been victims of swatting calls and hoax threats, causing fear and potentially dangerous interactions with law enforcement. The resources for swatting and hoax threats provide proactive steps to take to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a related incident.
• DOJ’s Community Relations Services. CRS provides support to public and private secondary schools, universities and colleges that are experiencing actual or perceived tension or conflicts based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. CRS serves as a neutral third party and its services are confidential, voluntary, and provided at no cost.
  • Contingency Planning: Reducing Risk During Public Events
  • Event Marshals: Supporting Safety During Events
  • CRS Resources and Trainings for Safe Public Events
• Leadership in a Crisis Training Program - The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) offers a 3-day program for sworn officers that uses innovative technology to create an immersive environment that challenges the participants’ ability to apply leadership, interpersonal and decision-making skills in a crisis situation.
• National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Program Office. The NTER Program Office provides partners with tools and resources to identify, report, and mitigate threats of terrorism and targeted violence. NTER’s Master Trainer Program is an instructor development and certification program that prepares federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial (F/SLTT) partners to train their local communities in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) techniques and best practices. This program is a key resource for law enforcement and school safety personnel to help directly train their own communities on how to recognize the warning signs and contribute to local terrorism and targeted violence prevention efforts. In addition to the MTP, NTER offers school safety personnel other free resources and training opportunities, including publicly available eLearnings, such as the Foundations of Targeted Violence Prevention, and Quarterly Webinars.
• The Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). The CRI- TAC program provides critical and tailored assistance resources to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies on a variety of topics. It features a “by the field, for the field” approach while delivering individualized technical assistance using leading experts in public safety, crime reduction, and community policing topics. CRI-TAC is a public service and offered at no-cost to agencies. Specifically, CRI-TAC can provide tailored training and technical assistance on mass demonstrations, protests, and gatherings for a campus context.
• FEMA’s National Training and Education Division (NTED). NTED provides funding and oversight for roughly 49 partners across the nation, who provide courses for first responders, emergency managers, and others in the community. In all, the NTED catalog includes 231 courses suited for law enforcement personnel. NTED also supports the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, focusing on assisting current and emerging leaders in Homeland Defense and Security to develop the policies, strategies, programs and organizational elements needed to defeat terrorism and prepare for and respond to natural disasters and public safety threats across the United States. Courses specifically designed for Institutions of Higher Education and campus law enforcement, including “Crisis Management Affecting Institutions of Higher Education: A Collaborative Community Approach” and “Crisis Management for School-based Incidents – Partnering Rural Law enforcement, First Responders, and Local School Systems” 
• Crisis Management for School-based Incidents – Partnering Rural Law enforcement, First Responders, and Local School Systems – The purpose of this course created by FEMA is to educate rural law enforcement personnel as well as school administrators and personnel on the elements that must be in place to effectively respond to an emergency at a school building or an entire school system. Schools continue to face incidents of violence as well as other crises that require coordination and collaboration within a community to ensure effective management strategies are in place. This course provides information to the individual rural responder, school representatives, and other community stakeholders that will assist them in the recognition of school-based threats and the identification of protection measures and mitigation strategies.
• Physical Security: Active Shooter Preparedness, Bombing Prevention, and More. Defending our homeland begins with protecting our nation’s hometown security – our physical security. Providing comprehensive physical security requires expertise across a broad range of physical environments and threat types. From public gatherings, schools, businesses, and houses of worship, there are a vast number of physical locations that must be protected. These locations are vulnerable to active shooter, bombing, unmanned aircraft, vehicle ramming as well as insider threat attacks. There are preventative and protective strategies that can be implemented at the federal, state, local and tribal government levels, within business and organizational structures, and for each individual citizen to safeguard our nation’s physical security.
• Security Assessment at First Entry (SAFE). SAFE is a rapid physical security assessment that assists facility owners and operators in implementing effective security programs. Using SAFE, CISA Protective Security Advisors (PSA) provide a structured review of a facility’s existing security measures and delivers feedback on observed vulnerabilities and options for improving security.

There are many offices that focus on providing support to law enforcement and their partners and addressing the needs of agencies when facing heightened threats of targeted violence. These offices can provide support, resources, and subject matter expertise to assist institutions of higher learning and law enforcement in addressing the needs of their campus and community.

• Office for State and Local Law Enforcement. The Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) provides DHS with primary coordination, liaison, and advocacy for state, local, tribal, territorial and campus law enforcement agencies. OSLLE accomplishes its mission through partnerships and relationships with SLTTC law enforcement, both through national associations and directly with the 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States. OSLLE’s responsibilities including cultivating partnerships with SLTTC law enforcement, both directly and through DHS senior leadership engagements; serving as an advocate and voice for SLTTC law enforcement within DHS during policy, program, and initiative development; developing and sharing pertinent and timely information and resources with stakeholders, both proactively and in response to requests, including the development of custom solutions when off the shelf resources do not exist; ensuring that law enforcement and terrorism focused grants are appropriately focused on terrorism prevention activities; and collaborating across DHS to help inform DHS law enforcement policies with SLTTC law enforcement best practices, provide DHS operational support to SLTTC law enforcement, and coordinate external affairs activities with SLTTC law enforcement.
• Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships. The Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) strengthens our country's targeted violence and terrorism prevention (TVTP) abilities through funding, training, increased public awareness, and partnerships across every level of government, the private sector, and in local communities. CP3 connects TVTP providers, curates TVTP evidence-based research and best practices, and aids states and communities in building prevention strategies and programs. To accomplish this, CP3 administers the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Grant Program; sponsors the Invent2Prevent program which motivates high school and college students to develop community-level solutions to prevent targeted violence, hate, or terrorism in their communities; hosts Prevention Forums webinars; conducts national and global engagement through strategic partnerships; and provides local engagement and technical assistance through its Regional Prevention Coordinators (RPCs) based on communities across the United States. Learn more about CP3's evidence-based resources on key topics in targeted violence and terrorism prevention.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Protective Security Advisors. Protective Security Advisors (PSAs) within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) assist critical infrastructure owners and operators, houses of worship, schools, and other organizations with conducting physical security assessments, enhancing emergency action planning, supporting incident coordination, and providing access to training and exercise resources. For more information or to contact your local PSA, please contact central@cisa.dhs.gov.
• U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC). The U.S. Secret Service NTAC provides research, guidance, case studies, training, and consultation on topics related to behavioral threat assessment and the prevention of targeted violence. NTAC’s multidisciplinary team of subject matter experts is comprised of social science researchers and regional Domestic Security Strategists (DSSs) who empower our partners in law enforcement, schools, government, and other public and private sector organizations to combat targeted violence impacting communities across the United States. For more information or to contact your regional DSS, please contact NTAC-DSS@usss.dhs.gov.
• Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR investigates Antisemitism and other forms of discrimination in education, including college campuses. Since October 7th, 2023, OCR has opened more than 100 investigations into Antisemitic and other forms of discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The list of open investigations is available. To file a complaint, use this Title VI complaint form. To request technical assistance regarding the office's enforcement of Title VI, please contact OCR@ed.gov.

Sharing information with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus partners across the country is key to providing the highest standard of response when faced with the threat of targeted violence. This does not include First Amendment protected activities, which require rigorous protection of civil rights and civil liberties.

• Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). Institutions of Higher Education leaders, law enforcement, and public safety officials can use HSIN to access Homeland Security data, send requests securely between agencies, manage operations, coordinate planned event safety and security, respond to incidents, and share the information they need to fulfill their missions and help keep their communities safe. HSIN is DHS’s official system for trusted sharing of Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) information between federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, international, and private sector partners.  Sworn law enforcement partners, fusion centers, and other governmental partners with an intelligence mission can use HSIN-Intelligence to access up-to-date intelligence products from the National Network of Fusion Centers and federal partners. For both non-sworn public safety officials, sworn law enforcement partners, and other governmental and private sector partners, HSIN-Critical Instructure provides a single source where critical and timely information from DHS is shared.
• Fusion Centers. State and major urban area fusion centers are owned and operated by state and local entities, and serve as primary focal points for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information among federal, SLTTC, and campus partners. Fusion centers are uniquely situated to empower law enforcement and other front-line personnel to lawfully gather and share threat-related information, including through the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative.
• Suspicious Activity Reporting. The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) is a joint collaborative effort by DHS, the FBI, and state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners. This initiative provides law enforcement with another tool to help prevent terrorism and other related criminal activity by establishing a national capacity for identifying, gathering, documenting, processing, analyzing, and sharing SAR information. The NSI provides hometown security partners with training on how to identify suspicious activity. You can find trainings for campus law enforcement and public safety partners on the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) site.
• FBI Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal. The Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) is the primary access point for eGuardian, the law enforcement unclassified suspicious activity reporting tool, as well as Justice Connect, the unclassified storage location for published information sharing and intelligence reports. LEEP also contains many other valuable resources for the law enforcement community.
• FBI Hate Crime Threat Response Guide. The FBI Hate Crime Threat Response Guide describes how to respond to various types of hate crime threats (physical, verbal, phoned, electronic, and written or visual threats). It provides instructions, including contact information for FBI field offices, on reporting hateful threats and harassment.

For guidance on the eligibility of law enforcement agencies at institutions of higher education to receive both State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area security Initiative (UASI) funding for eligible activities, refer to the Information Bulletin 504 issued by FEMA. For information on programs that provide funding for target hardening and protection against targeted violence, see the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), Homeland Security Grant Program (HSCP), and the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program (TVTP) below.

• Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). NSGP provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies. If you have questions please contact your State Administrative Agency (SAA).
• Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). HSGP includes a suite of risk-based grants to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts in preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism and other threats. This grant provides grantees with the resources required for implementation of the National Preparedness System and working toward the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. Law enforcement agencies at institutions of higher education (e.g., public and private colleges and universities) are eligible to receive both State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding, both of which are part of HSGP, for eligible activities as subrecipients. If you have questions please contact your State Administrative Agency (SAA).
• Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program (TVTP). TVTP provides funding for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments; nonprofits; and institutions of higher education with funds to establish or enhance capabilities to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. The Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administer the program. It is the only federal grant program solely dedicated to helping local communities develop and strengthen their capabilities in this area. Applications for the 2024 grant cycle are now closed. The 2025 grant cycle will open in the spring.
• Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program. The Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Program provides support to state, local, and Tribal law enforcement and prosecution agencies and their partners in conducting outreach, educating practitioners and the public, enhancing victim reporting tools, and investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. The application for FY 2024 has closed. Please monitor the BJA website for information on the upcoming FY 2025 grant program.

• Law Enforcement Resource Guide. A comprehensive summary of resources for state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement partners. This resource is available online and highlights DHS resources to all law enforcement, including training, technical assistance support, and grant opportunities to support law enforcement partners to address evolving and emerging threats.
• Prevention Resource Finder. The Prevention Resource Finder provides stakeholders with information on the resources needed to help prepare for and prevent targeted violence and terrorism across our country. To find relevant resources quickly, click on "All Resources" on the landing page and then use the "Audience" filter to select “Law Enforcement”, “Education”, or the most relevant audience type for your needs.
• School Safety Clearinghouse. Contains information to help schools develop comprehensive security plans and create safe and supportive learning environments.
• School Safety Resources. CISA is committed to enhancing school security and student and staff safety. Educational institutions face a wide range of digital and physical threats, ranging from targeted violence to cyberattacks. CISA partners with educational institutions and other organizations throughout government, law enforcement, and communities nationwide and offers a variety of resources, programs, and tools to make our schools safer for students, staff, and parents.
• Department of Education's Website on Supporting Campus Safety Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas Attacks in Israel. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas Attacks in Israel, the Department of Education's Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships published a webpage that provides information to educational leaders in support of campus safety. The page is regularly updated with information such as Dear Colleague Letters to educational leaders, resources to keep students safe on college campuses, and protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• 21st Century Protest Response: Promoting Democracy and Advancing Community and Officer Safety (COPS) - This guide provides recommendations for state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement agencies responding to mass demonstrations. This newly published resource provides a checklist for each phase of a protest response that can be tailored to meet individual community and agency needs and resources.
• Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Partner Resource Guide. CP3 connects targeted violence and terrorism prevention (TVTP) providers, curates research and best practices, and helps states and communities build strategies and programs. This list of DHS resources provides a comprehensive overview of funding, technical assistance, regional contacts, training, and educational materials to help keep communities safe.
• Navigating Conflicts: A Guide for Campus Leaders and Public Safety Personnel. The guide offers campus administration and public safety leaders a framework, supported by ideas and tools, for dealing with campus conflict. Designed to help campuses move disagreements towards peaceful outcomes, it includes a toolkit for rapid response and an interactive simulation to help campus leaders open communication, reflect, and plan effectively. Colleges and universities interested in receiving assistance conducting the included simulation may contact askCRS@usdoj.gov.
• First Amendment Activity at Academic Institutions. To ensure peaceful protests and safe conduct on educational campuses during First Amendment-protected activities, DHS recommends institution leaders take proactive steps to prepare the campus ecosystem, communicate policies and procedures, and respond by taking both a whole-of-community, human centric approach and enforcing campus policies, as necessary.
• Combating Gender-Based Violence Student Toolkit. This toolkit helps international students understand gender-based violence (GBV), what to do if they see or experience it while attending a U.S. college or university, and immigrations options if they are a GBV victim.
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Bomb Threat Resource Guide. Issued by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities following a series of bomb threats against more than a third of the nation's HBCUs. The guide includes different government agency roles in emergency management for HBCUs, what to do for a bomb threat, campus safety and emergency management resources, and mental health resources.

For questions, campus public safety and law enforcement may contact the DHS Office for State and Local Law Enforcement at OSLLE@hq.dhs.gov; campus administrators and staff may contact DHS's Office of Non-Governmental Organizations at NGOengagements@hq.dhs.gov.