Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2021 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grantee Evaluation

Abstract

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate contracted RTI International to conduct research and evaluation of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) FY2021 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grant, aimed at preventing mass violence in Palm Beach County (PBC). The evaluation team conducted a process evaluation of all components of the grant project and an outcome evaluation of the bystander training activity, with a focus on identifying project accomplishments, challenges, and recommendations for future grantees. The team reviewed training curricula and other materials provided by PBSO, observed a training in June 2023, and interviewed staff and project partners. A summary of findings is in Table ES-A.
PBSO successfully hired two new detectives to increase the overall capacity of their Behavioral Services Division (BSD). Between April 2022 and September 2023, the BSD conducted 1,368 field assessments, ultimately identifying 149 individuals who evidenced signs of behavioral health concerns and risk for violence. Of these individuals, 75 were referred to PBSO’s project partner, Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network (SEFBHN), for the provision of mental health, substance use, and housing services. PBSO shared lessons learned from the BSD’s co-responder model at their first-ever Threat Management Symposium for law enforcement, security, and behavioral health professionals.
In addition to direct service provision, PBSO engaged in a series of training and outreach events to raise awareness of mass violence prevention and response. A total of 178 community members participated in bystander training, which taught participants how to respond to and provide emergency care after a mass shooting. Among individuals who voluntarily took pre- and posttests, knowledge of this topic increased from 53% to 91%. Staff at the 211 Helpline (211) were presented with information about the BSD’s Targeted Violence Unit (TVU) and how it triages cases. In addition, PBSO developed two additional activities—a series of nine presentations to charter schools in the county and a Golf Scramble, which extended their outreach to the PBC community beyond what was originally conceived under their Implementation and Measurement Plan.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2021 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grantee Evaluation