NCJ Number
209226
Date Published
March 2005
Length
90 pages
Annotation
This document presents a training guide for local Weed and Seed program site coordinators.
Abstract
Operation Weed and Seed, a community-based initiative administered by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), offers an innovative, comprehensive, and multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and neighborhood revitalization. The strategy incorporates a two-pronged approach: law enforcement efforts "weed out" violent crime and drug abuse while community-oriented agencies "seed" the social, economic, and educational opportunities of residents. Community-oriented policing strategies bridge the weed and seed strategies. This training guide presents answers to frequently asked questions concerning the responsibilities of the site coordinator, the role of the Steering Committee, and broad questions concerning the Weed and Seed strategy. The training guide focuses on six main "knowledge sections," which are each dedicated to specific areas of responsibility: (1) roles and responsibilities; (2) collaboration and relationship with partners; (3) strategy development and implementation; (4) sustainability; (5) technology; and (6) programmatic and financial requirements. The section on roles and responsibilities clarifies the role and function of the site coordinator, as well as the qualities that are vital for success as a site coordinator. The section on collaboration and relationship with partners discusses how to cooperate with Steering Committee members and how to develop relationships with key partners on both a formal and informal level. The section on strategy development and implementation describes the community assessment process and focuses on how to overcome obstacles associated with the site's strategy. The section on sustainability addresses the challenges of sustaining the Weed and Seed strategic planning process and maintaining collaborations among local partners. The section on technology offers suggestions for effectively using the Internet to navigate the Grant Management System (GMS) and submit progress reports, while the section on programmatic and financial requirements reviews the reporting requirements for the Weed and Seed program. Appendixes