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WHAT'S NEW
2010
- Drug courts are an effective method for lowering recidivism rates, reducing drug use, and bringing down corrections costs, Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson said while speaking at the National Association of Drug Court Professionals 16th Annual Conference on June 3, 2010.
Drug courts allow eligible, drug-addicted persons to engage in a closely supervised treatment program instead of being sentenced in the traditional justice system. They offer treatment, provide accountability, and reward sobriety and success. Robinson noted OJP's support for drug courts through training and technical assistance, research and evaluations, a resource center, and a juvenile court program.
AAG Robinson also applauded Attorney General Eric Holder's strong advocacy for drug courts while introducing his keynote address. Attorney General Holder thanked the more than 3,300 professionals at the conference for their efforts to improve the justice system. "You have proven that redemption and rehabilitation are possible," he said. "And you've shown that our network of Drug Courts has the power to strengthen, not only families and communities, but our entire justice system."
- BJA introduced a new series of podcasts called Perspectives in Law Enforcement. These podcasts provide listeners with the latest information in innovations, practices and perspectives from the field of criminal justice. Topics range from innovative policing and prisoner reentry, to substance abuse and mental health issues, to relations with tribal nations. Each podcast offers listeners the opportunity to hear Justice Department officials and leading experts discuss critical issues facing our nation and communities. Click here to read more about the podcasts on DOJ's Blog.
- The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) website has been redesigned and is now available at: http://www.bjs.gov. New features include enhanced search capabilities, prominent placement of new products and announcements on the homepage, RSS feeds, and more.
- OCFO is in the process of developing a new payment request system which is expected to be released the third quarter of FY2010. OJP's current payment request system, the Phone Activated Payment Request System (PAPRS), will be upgraded to a Web-based payment request system. With the release of the Web-based payment request system, OJP and COPS grantees will have the ability to log in and perform draw down requests utilizing a secure OJP website. The new Web-based payment request system will have many new features that will enhance the grantee's ability to manage awards. For example, grantees will have the ability to obtain a history and summary of all draw down requests for a specific award. Also, grantees will have the ability to cancel a pending payment request. OCFO encourages all grantees to participate in this effort by providing your feedback, questions, and concerns. Please contact the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Customer Service Branch by phone at 1-800-458-0786 (press 2) or by email at Ask.Ocfo@usdoj.gov. Please stay tuned for upcoming communications and opportunities to view the new system.
- Assistant Attorney General Robinson talks with NPR's Ari Shapiro about Justice Department grants.
2009
- OJP in cooperation with OVW and COPS hosted a webinar on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-10-08, Updated Guidance on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act- Data Quality, Non-Reporting Recipients, and Reporting Job Estimates. Click here to view the presentation slides and the recorded webinar.
- CCDO's In-Sites newsletter is back! It is filled with current news from Weed and Seed sites, marketing tips and best practices. Read the current Winter 2009 issue here.