About NOVPN
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) and its partners have helped to launch and strengthen offices of violence prevention, offices of neighborhood safety, and similar agencies throughout the US for more than 15 years.
In light of the rapid growth in these offices and the value of peer learning in this area, NICJR, Advance Peace, the Center for American Progress, the Vera Institute of Justice, and OVP leaders from across the US announced the launch of the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network in February 2021.
The NOVPN was co-founded by NICJR Executive Director David Muhammad and Advance Peace Executive Director DeVone Boggan, both of whom continue to be instrumental to its operations and growth.
The National Offices of Violence Prevention Network is led by Shantay Jackson, who is responsible for the development and execution of all strategic initiatives associated with the Network and oversees the provision of technical assistance and training to NOVPN members. The NOVPN team includes Deven Rivera, who leads engagement efforts; Anna Marie Keppel Benson, who drives analytics initiatives; and Tionee Drumwright, who supports operations.
Network Growth By the Numbers
186 % Increase since 2021
33 % Increase in fiscal year 2024-2025
TBD % Increase in fiscal year 2025-2026
Since its founding, the Network has grown from 21 agencies to over 90 members, including multiple state-level and county-level offices of violence prevention as well as local OVPs launched with NOVPN support.
The NOVPN serves as a learning community with the goal of significantly increasing the expertise and effectiveness of member agencies. The Network:
- Hosts convenings
- Offers trainings and presentations on effective violence reduction practices
- Offers technical assistance (TA) by building member agencies’ expertise and capacity in data collection and reporting, fund development, communications/media relations, and more (see our extended list)
- Provides leadership and management development
- Coordinates learning exchanges and site visits across Network members
- Connects members to other local and national training and TA providers, to address their unique needs and priorities
- Supports the creation of new OVPs
- Curation and management of a leadership pipeline for civilian-led public safety offices
Through these efforts, the NOVPN ultimately aims to significantly reduce violence nationwide.
Contact us to learn more about the Network or to become a member.
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