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The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Joyce Foundation have created a partnership to more effectively address the deadly problem of gun violence. Gun violence kills roughly 30,000 people each year, second only to automobile crashes in causes of injury- related death, and the incidence of gun related deaths appears to be on the rise. While overall crime is at its lowest level in more than three decades, Americans fell victim to gun violence at a higher rate last year than in 2004.

Both IACP and the Joyce Foundation are deeply concerned about the far- reaching economic and social effects of gun violence. They recognize the need to develop a sound body of data and research to increase understanding of firearms violence and to encourage the study of best practices among law enforcement officials and policymakers. They are committed to aiding in the development and promotion of educated policy reform regarding firearms violence at the local, state and national levels. Collaboration between the IACP and the Joyce Foundation seeks to address all aspects of gun violence and to invigorate and strengthen the efforts of law enforcement officials, criminal justice agencies, the medical and health communities, advocacy groups, and policy makers in combating firearms violence.

About The Joyce Foundation

Based in Chicago with assets of $900 million, the Joyce Foundation supports efforts to strengthen public policies in ways that improve quality of life in the Great Lakes region. Since 1993, the Foundation has made more than $30 million in grants to groups seeking public health solutions that offer promise of reducing gun deaths and injuries in America. Other program areas are Education, Employment, Environment, Money and Politics and Culture.

Joyce Foundation
70 W. Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Program Contact
Gun Violence Program Officer
Roseanna Ander

Great Lakes States Summit on Firearm Violence
April 9-11, 2007 Chicago, IL

The Great Lakes States Summit on Firearm Violence was one of the main initiatives of the partnership. It was held April 9-11, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The goal of the summit was to draw on expertise and insights from law enforcement leaders, elected officials, researchers, medical and public health professionals and others to develop a regional, multi-disciplinary approach to reducing gun violence. Those in attendance developed recommendations that state and local policymakers, public health officials and law enforcement leaders can implement. The summit also helped establish a set of priorities for federal policy makers to aid efforts to reduce gun violence in the region.

Request your copy of Summit reports here
Reducing Gun Violence In Your Community: A Planning Guide to Assess Local Needs and Implement Summit Recommendations

Six Topics Addressed

IACP and the Joyce Foundation have identified six areas of concern pertaining to the issue of gun violence. These topics were examined at the summit and will remain an important aspect of any additional partnership projects.

• Illegal Firearm Trafficking
• Gang/Youth Violence
• Illicit Drug Markets and Guns

• Suicide
• Domestic Violence
• Officer Safety

2008-2009 Project Initiatives

Project Highlights Summer 2008

Law Enforcement Leadership Roundtables

During the summer of 2008 the IACP/Joyce Foundation Taking A Stand Against Gun Violence initiative is being rolled out in both cities and states across the U.S. Project work includes both local jurisdictions as well as statewide planning. Target states include Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Target Cities include Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Each pilot implementation is being designed to meet the needs of the state or city and will include initiation, outreach, strategy development, implementation and ultimately evaluation of Taking A Stand recommendations. IACP staff support will be provided to each jurisdiction.

Dates:

• September 3rd, 2008 - Reading, Pennsylvania
• October 14th, 2008 - Wisconsin
• October 16th, 2008 - Chicago, Illinois

Law Enforcement Leadership Roundtables

• Identify core areas for improvement and development
• Categorize state-specific needs surrounding Taking A Stand recommendations
• Prioritize short and long term goals
• Develop a strategy that can be implemented to reduce gun violence
• Create an action plan to implement specific strategies
• Track progress and development using IACP resources and support

Joining Forces Newsletter: A Committed Course of Action

The Joining Forces Newsletter is released periodically throughout the year and will be posted on this website. Future Issues will highlight successful research, best practices in the area of gun violence, forums and programs that law enforcement officials and their agencies can get involved bin, and future updates and progress on the partnership between IACP and the Joyce Foundation.

Volume 1: Issue 1
Volume 1: Issue 2
Volume 1: Issue 3

A Power Point Presentation on National Violent Death Reporting Systems (NVDRS)

Click here to view the Power Point Presentation on NVDRS in PDF (1.4 Mb)

Click here to view the Project Advisors

For More Information Regarding the IACP/Joyce Foundation Partnership and Current Initiatives, Please Contact:

Jack Grant, Program Manager at grantjc@theiacp.org, or
Whitney Skelton, Project Assistant at skelton@theiacp.org