Law enforcement and emergency first responders are no strangers to terrorism. Whether an attack has occurred or is in the process of being planned, first responders of all disciplines are essential to counter the threat. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to halting the spread of recruitment into the violent radicalization in America’s communities. To accomplish this, DHS relies on first responders who closely interact with community partners and leaders to support the principles of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). This July, DHS released a notice for the 2016 CVE Grant Program.
The CVE Working Group, established in 2010, outlined key priorities for CVE and community-orientated policing. Part of this effort involves developing infrastructure to coordinate and prioritize CVE activities between first responder agencies, thereby allocating responsibility, accountability and communication across various government agencies and building bridges of information with the public. This also includes enhancing the participation of departments and agencies outside of the national security discipline.
CVE opportunities are available for different types of emergency responders. This includes accessing research, expanding the capacity for intervention and facilitating communication.
For more information on CVE or the 2016 CVE Grant Program please contact: communitypartnerships@hq.dhs.gov.