BJA Justice Today May 8, 2009

Ribbob image National Police Week 2009

In honor of fallen law enforcement officers across the nation, National Police Week activities, including National Peace Officers Memorial Day, will take place the week of May 10th. National Police Week provides all Americans an opportunity to give special recognition to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty to protect others. National Police Week activities are a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America's law enforcement community. During National Police Week, BJA encourages everyone to display blue ribbons on their vehicles to remind all of the sacrifices made by law enforcement nationwide. BJA and its staff will proudly participate in National Police Week activities and events to honor America's fallen heroes and to show our respect and care for their families.

For more information about National Police Week or to view a schedule of all events, visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial web site.

Funding Available for Body Armor under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP)
BJA is pleased to announce the FY 2009 BVP application period. Approximately $22 million will be made available to law enforcement agencies beginning May 13, 2009. All applications must be submitted online at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi/ by June 17, 2009. For requirements and further details, visit the BVP web site.

Discover Policing logo Law Enforcement Agencies Encouraged to Add Job Postings
BJA, in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, is proud of the award-winning "Discover Policing" web site. Designed to provide information to persons seeking careers in law enforcement, the web site serves as a job posting center for agencies with open positions and gives those seeking employment in the criminal justice field a location to post their resume. Visit http://discoverpolicing.org/ for more information.

Current Funding Opportunities

FY 2009 Second Chance Act Mentoring Grants to Nonprofit Organizations
Applications are due May 21, 2009

FY 2009 Capital Case Litigation Initiative
Applications are due June 11, 2009

Every year, the President presents the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to officers who have exhibited exceptional courage and valor, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. The medal is the highest national award for valor exhibited by a public safety officer. Visit the Medal of Valor web page to learn how to and who can nominate public safety officers for this honor. The nomination period for the 2008-2009 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is May 29, 2009 through July 31, 2009.

Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
Enacted in 1976, the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Act enables BJA to recognize and respond to public safety officers who have been killed or disabled in line-of-duty incidents. The PSOB Program provides death benefits in the form of a one-time financial payment to the eligible survivors of public safety officers who have suffered a line of duty death in accordance with the Act. PSOB also provides benefits to eligible officers permanently disabled as well as education benefits to spouses and children. PSOB staff proudly work year round to serve and to honor America's fallen heroes and their survivors. For more information, visit www.psob.gov.