WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced the release of a series of short films in partnership with Not In Our Town (NIOT) on the importance of building relationships between local law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The films released today include:

• “Moses Robinson: School Guardian,” part of a series of films focused on helping law enforcement and students work together on improving relationships and building trust.
• “Manhattan Beach,” which explores the unique aspects of addressing the needs of the victims and healing of communities in the aftermath of hate violence.
• “On the Ground with Not In Our Town,” a series of three films focused on the importance of creating relationships between law enforcement and communities to deter and take a stand against hate violence.

“These films provide a great resource to police departments on how to engage their communities in meaningful dialogues that strengthen police and community relationships and enhances public safety,” said COPS Office Director Ronald Davis. “I recommend these videos be shared with every member of the law enforcement profession.”

Through COPS Office Community Policing Development funds, the Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities project’s films are available free of charge to law enforcement agencies, civic leaders, community groups, schools, national organizations, and others. The DVDs can be used for public screenings and discussions, town hall meetings, internal trainings, conference workshops, and other activities. Each film released today is available here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/hatecrimeresources.

The COPS Office, headed by Director Ronald Davis, is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 129,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.

Developed in 1995 by The Working Group, an Oakland, California-based nonprofit strategic media company, Not In Our Town is a movement to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all. NIOT films, new media, and organizing tools help local leaders engage local communities to build vibrant, diverse cities and towns, where everyone can participate.

For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.