Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier was invited to the White House, where today she provided insight on how the Administration’s recently-released Strategic Implementation Plan for Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States can be implemented locally. Chief Lanier joined more than 35 senior and front line law enforcement officials in giving feedback, talking about how the federal government can best support efforts to implement the strategy in local communities. Participants also had the opportunity to inform officials such as Attorney General Eric Holder and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano about their local needs and how the government can be most helpful, especially highlighting many of the activities occurring in their respective communities already.

“The Administration called and said they wanted my input – they know it needs to be implemented by people in the community in a way that matches the reality on the ground,” said Chief Lanier. “Local input is important, as we have built strong relationships in our neighborhoods.”

Empowering state, tribal, and local partners is an integral part of the Administration’s plan to protect communities against violent extremists, which builds upon existing local partnerships, promotes information-driven community-based solutions, and utilizes community-oriented policing efforts to counter violent extremism and violent crime regardless of ideology. At the event, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) briefed the participants on current analysis, engagement efforts around the country, and current efforts to ensure training is accurate and protects civil rights and liberties. 

The Administration’s strategy on countering violent extremism was developed with significant input from state, local, and tribal law enforcement and members of community organizations. Working together with communities and local law enforcement has been successful in previous efforts to mitigate threats and improve public safety. 

In addition to explaining how the Administration can improve its support to state, local and tribal partners, Chief Lanier expressed that Congress should appropriate funding for state and local law enforcement efforts, since they play a critical role in community preparedness and countering violent extremist threats. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, the American Jobs Act would allocate $5 billion for state and local law enforcement and first responders, creating 40,000 new law enforcement jobs around the country and mandating expedited hiring through the Department of Justice’s COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Program.