In recognition of National Drug Court Month (May 2008), NCJRS invites you to view its resource, In the Spotlight: Drug Courts. This resource contains links to drug court-related publications, data sources, programs, legislation, funding programs, and training and technical assistance opportunities. (NCJRS)

In anticipation of National Correctional Officers Week (May 4-10, 2008), NCJRS has created a special feature dedicated to this observance. This special feature includes links to resources related to correctional officer safety, equipment and technology, and correctional staff and facility statistics. (NCJRS)

To commemorate National Police Week, OVC is offering a Web Forum Guest Host Session for first responders and allied professionals on best practices for meeting the needs of crime victims. Please join Tim Woods, Director of the Research, Development, and Grants Division at the National Sheriffs' Association and author of First Response to Victims of Crime, on May 14, 2008, at 2 p.m. ET for the discussion. (OVC)

BJA is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, its Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program has surpassed a major milestone. As of April 23, 2008, the VIPS program has assisted in the establishment of more than 1,700 local police volunteer programs supported by 139,138 volunteers. (BJA)

Application deadline: May 30, 2008
Through a solicitation for a cooperative agreement, NIC’s Jails Division is seeking applications for the development and production of a broadcast quality, educational DVD covering the five phases of new jail planning. (NIC)

Application deadline: May 20, 2008
Through a cooperative agreement for administrative support, NIC will expand the services offered through its learning management system (Learn.com). This system is used to manage all of NIC's Web-based trainings. (NIC)

Application deadline: May 15, 2008
BJA is seeking applicants for its Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Training and Technical Assistance Program to provide comprehensive technical assistance services and develop uniform protocols for the assessment and delivery of technical assistance, tracking, and evaluation. (BJA)

Application deadline: May 23, 2008
Using DNA Technology to Identify the Missing is designed (1) to help eligible entities perform DNA analysis on unidentified human remains and/or reference samples to support the efforts of states and units of local government to identify missing persons and (2) to enter resulting DNA profiles into the CODIS+mito index of the FBI’s National DNA Index System. (NIJ)

Application deadline: May 23, 2008
The objective of the Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement solicitation is to publish successful and carefully evaluated novel efficiency improvement methodologies as models to be considered by other forensic science laboratories. This solicitation will not fund proposals in areas already covered by the FY 2008 Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program. (NIJ)

Application deadline: May 29, 2008
The FY 2008 National Field-Generated Training, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Projects grant offers awards of $50,000 to $500,000 to support the development of national-scope training, technical assistance, and demonstration project initiatives. All initiatives must focus on improving the capacity of victim service providers and allied practitioners to advance rights and services to crime victims. (OVC)

Application deadline: June 22, 2008
The National Institute of Corrections is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations or individuals to update and expand a civil liabilities guidebook for probation and parole audiences. The successful applicant will be required to revise the document, develop an executive supplement, and deliver additional related materials within an 18-month cooperative agreement period. (NIC)

Application deadline: May 30, 2008
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program awards grants to states and units of local government to help improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. Funds may be used to eliminate backlogs in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ additional forensic laboratory personnel. (NIJ)

"Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, Second Edition" (NCJ 219941, 74 pp.) is designed to assist state and local law enforcement and other first responders, who may be responsible for preserving an electronic crime scene and for recognizing, collecting, and safeguarding digital evidence. (NIJ)

"Juvenile Accountability Block Grants Program: 2005 Report to Congress" (NCJ 217458, 44 pp.) presents findings from the second round of Juvenile Accountability Block Grants (JABG) performance measurement data (April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005) and, where possible, compares them with findings from the first round of data collection (October 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004). (OJJDP)

The NIJ Elder Abuse topical resource page offers information to the criminal justice field on identifying abuse and addressing mistreatment, including financial and sexual exploitation. This Web page includes links to publications, additional resources, and related topics. (NIJ)

On June 25, 2008, NIC will host a live 3-hour satellite/Internet broadcast titled “Sharing Gang Intelligence/Bridging the Gap: Corrections - Police - Educators.” A diverse panel of experts will discuss various processes, methods, technologies, partnerships, and information sharing programs related to gangs and their potential networks of intelligence. (NIC)

The National Chemical Control Conference: A Focus on Tracking Precursor Chemicals will be held June 10-11, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois. Sponsoring agencies of the 1½-day conference will share with state and local officials, tribal representatives, and federal agencies the most up-to-date information on state electronic tracking systems for monitoring precursor chemicals, particularly sales of pseudoephedrine products. (BJA, COPS, and ONDCP)

On June 23-26, 2008, OJJDP will hold its Youth Gang Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia. Addressing the theme "Partnering to Prevent Youth Gang Violence: From Faith- and Community-Based Organizations to Law Enforcement," the symposium will offer innovative gang-related strategies and the latest information on youth gang activities. (OJJDP)

Register now for OVC's upcoming training workshops, including Compassion Fatigue/Vicarious Trauma, August 19-20, 2008, in Spokane, Washington, and Providing Culturally Competent Services to Victims of Crime, September 16-18, 2008, in Lincoln, Nebraska. To view course descriptions and learning objectives or to register, visit the OVC TTAC Web site. (OVC)

The White House will host a series of conferences providing information on the federal grants process, funding opportunities, and the responsibilities that come with federal funding on May 29-30, 2008, in New Orleans, Louisiana; June 26-27, 2008, in Washington, DC; August 18, 2008, in Sacramento, California; and August 29, 2008, in Dallas, Texas. (OJJDP)