Planning, Evaluation and Technology Improvement In Washington, JAG investments will prioritize data-driven efforts implementing best and promising practices. To operationalize efforts, planning and evaluation may be required to best design program implementation, data collection and outcome measurement. Initiatives should be informed by lessons learned, and strategic planning and change management should guide program implementation, where applicable. Goal: Washington JAG investments will focus on building infrastructure, scaling efforts, assessing capacity, and increasing data collection and evaluation. Examples of proposed projects may include, but are not limited to: Technical assistance provision to local agencies or organizations implementing programs in alignment with JAG Mission Assessments or gap analyses conducted through community-led efforts to identify needed services Advancing collaborative initiatives or implementation of collective impact models2 to leverage resources and avoid duplication of efforts Crime Victim Programming, Support and Advocacy With many Criminal Legal System reform efforts focused on responding to mass incarceration, reducing the impact of conviction records and providing services to those impacted by the Criminal Legal System, it is important to provide support to those impacted by crime and violence to advance a comprehensive approach. Federal funding for Victims Services has declined in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. To comprehensively address victims’ needs, as well as others impacted by the Criminal Legal System, JAG investments will focus on the following goal in this priority area: Goal: JAG investments will fund victim support and services, crime prevention and community education. Examples of proposed projects may include, but are not limited to: Leverage/support existing programs/efforts; identify gaps or additional opportunities for support Conduct an assessment or gap analysis to determine the landscape of available victim services across the state and identify resource needs Provide new and/or unduplicated support services Community Safety Enhancement and Law Enforcement Programs/Support Washington’s JAG program has historically focused on law enforcement initiatives, primarily by supporting Multi-Jurisdictional Task Forces across the state. In an effort to diversify the JAG portfolio while still leveraging funds to support community safety, the Strategic Plan includes this priority area, to further efforts focused on increased community safety and law enforcement wellness. Goal: Promote relationship building between law enforcement and the communities they serve; increase community trust and engagement in our collective public safety efforts focusing on substance use and violence prevention and intervention. Examples of proposed projects may include, but are not limited to: Community partnerships Officer wellness initiatives and support Crime prevention strategies and education campaigns Multi-jurisdictional law enforcement collaborations and efforts Community-led safety initiatives Collaborative efforts to prevent violence against, and enhance safety and security for, election workers Applicants will be responsible for thoroughly describing the goals, objectives and outcomes of their proposed project, as well as providing an explanation of how the project aligns with one or more of the Washington JAG Priority Areas.
