VCPI Receives Award from the National Institute of Justice

    /24-7PressRelease/ - RICHMOND, VA, November 09, 2007 - The Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI) has been awarded $1,060,001 by the National Institute of Justice under the Forensic Science Training Development and Delivery Program to develop and deliver a series of cold case analysis courses across the nation and online.

"Forensic and DNA advanced technology and capabilities have ignited a massive effort in solving the nation's ever-increasing list of cold case files. Law enforcement agencies are forming cold case units, teams of investigators and prosecutors are partnering to pour through evidence and leads, and the new technological capabilities are allowing these investigations to yield definitive convictions." stated Lynda S. O'Connell, Executive Director of VCPI.

VCPI has partnered with the Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine (VIFSM) for course development and will subcontract with Richmond-based Light Heavy Industries, LLC (LHI), to convert the "Cold Case Analysis for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors" curriculum to a web-based course that can be accessed by unlimited participants via the Internet. The curriculum for both the classroom and web-based courses will be enhanced by the creation of a Virtual Case File Simulator, a scenario-based learning environment that will be developed using a unique combination of commercial-grade gaming and simulation technologies.

"This is a partnership among three strong Richmond-based organizations and we are thrilled to begin working on this national NIJ initiative," stated O'Connell.

The Virginia Center for Policing Innovation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to advancing public safety by providing unparalleled training and services for law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve. Further information on the Center can be obtained at http://www.vcpionline.org or by contacting Lynda S. O'Connell, Executive Director at (804)644-0601 or via email at [email protected].

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