The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has secured a $519,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program. This funding will support NSHE’s “Threat Prevention, Safety, and Awareness Initiative,” aimed at enhancing safety measures for students, faculty, staff, and visitors across its higher education and research institutes.
The grant is part of a broader effort led by the Chancellor’s ad hoc Committee on Public Safety to improve security and emergency preparedness at all NSHE institutions. The committee was formed to evaluate and prioritize safety initiatives within the system. The TVTP grant will fund the creation of Threat Assessment Teams (TATs), launch a public awareness campaign, and support case management systems for early intervention in potential threat situations.
“At NSHE, the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remains our highest priority,” said Chancellor Patricia Charlton. “Through the work of the Chancellor’s ad hoc Committee on Public Safety, we are committed to building a culture of safety and preparedness across all campuses. This grant strengthens our ability to assess and respond to threats in a proactive and coordinated way. We are grateful to the Department of Homeland Security for supporting this vital work.”
The initiative focuses on two main goals:
1. Raising Societal Awareness: A broad public outreach effort will be launched to increase understanding of threat assessment and reporting processes among NSHE’s diverse population. Special attention will be given to underserved groups who may face greater risks of targeted violence.
2. Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Teams: Each NSHE institution will establish dedicated TATs trained to assess, mitigate, and manage potential threats across campuses. The grant will also support a case management system that enhances information sharing.
“The resources provided by this grant allow us to further strengthen our safety protocols,” said Arnold Vasquez, Interim Director of University Police Services Southern Command. “By implementing threat assessment teams and improving communication across our campuses, we can take a proactive approach to preventing violence and ensuring the well-being of our campus communities.”
In Northern Nevada, University Police Services will adopt a similar comprehensive approach. “This initiative equips us with the tools needed to enhance campus security and emergency preparedness,” said Eric James, Director of University Police Services Northern Command. “Through a combination of training, new systems, and increased awareness, we are making significant strides in protecting our students, faculty, and staff.”
The Threat Prevention, Safety, and Awareness Initiative aligns with NSHE’s long-term goal of enhancing safety across its institutions. By strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, campus safety officers, mental health professionals, and community organizations, this initiative aims to foster a safer environment for all members of its community.
NSHE is the first recipient in Nevada to receive this grant from DHS’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3). CP3’s support highlights the significance of NSHE’s efforts in improving campus safety.
For more information about the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program visit the DHS website.