CPE and The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center are hosting a joint series of Learning Communities for Policing Alternatives with participants nationwide. These learning communities are designed to support stakeholders working to establish more equitable public safety systems and are structured to assist interdisciplinary teams seeking to implement alternatives to policing, and each centers on a different area of public safety.
Learning Communities for Policing Alternatives focus on some of the most pressing public safety issues faced by Black communities and consist of different modules to support participants in implementing emergent evidence-led interventions and documenting the process and outcomes of their efforts. Participants receive peer-to-peer support and guidance from national experts, as well as practical guidance and troubleshooting from technical assistance providers. Our companion Data Connection initiative supports each learning community with the tools needed to measure success and effectively use data in storytelling.
The community-led efforts emerging from CPE and the CSG Justice Center’s Learning Communities for Policing Alternatives parallel the alternative policing strategies developed by the Elected Leaders Council. Our involvement in this vital effort is part of our community empowerment program, Unlocking Democracy, a suite of community-centered resources rooted in the understanding that government of, by, and for the people rests on a foundation of shared responsibility, mutual trust, and bedrock safety.
Applications are now open! Our 2023–2024 learning modules will focus on policing alternatives, including College Campus Community Response, Community Response & Crisis Systems, Community Violence Intervention, and Youth Behavioral Diversion. Learn more about Learning Communities for Policing Alternatives eligibility, requirements, and how to join below.
Upcoming Learning Modules
Community Violence InterventionCreating community violence intervention programs as alternatives to law enforcement. Session Dates |
Community Response & Crisis SystemsEnhancing crisis system alternatives through community-centered, public health approaches. Session Dates |
College Campus Community ResponseEnhancing college campus community response through student-centered, public health approaches. Session Dates |
Youth Behavioral DiversionDeveloping an alternative first responder approach for youth experiencing behavioral health crises. Application Details |
How To Join
Interdisciplinary teams in localities of all sizes are invited to apply to join an upcoming learning community cohort by clicking on any the learning module links above. Teams applying to participate should include multidisciplinary members including essential community members and professionals positioned to achieve program goals.
Contact CPE to learn more about Learning Communities for Policing Alternatives, Data Connection, or other opportunities to receive assistance in piloting alternatives to law enforcement in your community.
Submission of this interest form is not confirmation of participation in a future learning community cohort. CPE will follow up with all interested participants following the completion of this form.
Upcoming Events
Join us for the following free webinars, trainings, and events hosted by the CSG Justice Center in partnership with CPE:
| Tuesday, August 29, 2023 | 2–3 p.m. EDT | Data Connections to Support Alternative Crisis Response Methods |
| Wednesday, August 30, 2023 | 2–3 p.m. EDT | Establishing Community Response Models for College Campuses |
| Thursday, September 7, 2023 | 1—2 p.m. EDT | Alternative First Responder Models Can Support Youth in Crisis |