The Essex County Procedural Justice Shooting Response Pilot was designed to test the application of procedural justice theory in the immediate aftermath of a homicide. The pilot framework included providing procedural justice training to all homicide unit staff and creating tools to reinforce the principles of procedural justice and increase legitimacy. This report summarizes the findings from the pilot that may be useful to other law enforcement agencies seeking to build trust with community members in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime, challenges, and lessons learned.
The Shooting Response Toolkit provides materials for law enforcement officials who are interested in applying procedural justice principles in the aftermath of a homicide. The toolkit is at the end of the main report above but is also available below for separate download.
The Shooting Response Toolkit materials include:
- an easy to distribute palm card with contact information for law enforcement and victim services resources;
- script for a tip line voicemail message that incorporates principles of procedural justice;
- a resource guide for next-of-kin that explains the next steps in the process;
- training designed to educate law enforcement personnel on specific procedural justice strategies to their work.
The toolkit was developed in partnership with the Essex County (New Jersey) Prosecutor’s Office homicide task force and funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
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