This publication details the implementation of a social network analysis (SNA) program developed by the COPS Office in partnership with Yale University. Created as part of a violence prevention initiative in New Haven, Connecticut, the Project Longevity SNA program emphasizes the value of community collaboration when gathering critical information such as the location and membership of gangs and other criminal networks, as well as describes the benefits of focused deterrence activities, thereby reducing arrests and increasing efficiency. In addition to a detailed introduction to SNA and methods for adaptation to various community and law enforcement needs, this report provides examples of SNA strategies used in other cities and practical guidelines for implementation.

In 2014, the COPS Office funded 10 Microgrant Initiatives to facilitate the implementation or advancement of nationwide community policing efforts and address existing gaps in community policing knowledge and tools. CNA acted as a Microgrant Promising Practices Coordinator of the awards and work in partnership with the 10 awardees and their local-level research partners to document their project activities and this report describes the lessons learned and promising practices that resulted from these microgrant projects.  The FY2014 microgrant projects focused on four categories: (1) Building trust with communities of color; (2) Implementing cutting-edge strategies to reduce violence; (3) Countering violent extremism; and (4) Protecting vulnerable populations. The microgrant sites are Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Park Ridge, IL; Reno, NV; Colorado Springs, CO; El Paso County, TX; North Las Vegas; NV, Seattle, WA; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  

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