Transforming Data to Action to Prevent Violent Deaths

Violent death is a complex public health and safety issue that demands a comprehensive understanding of its causes and contexts. This Quick Hit presentation highlights the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), a powerful tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that links detailed information from law enforcement, death certificates, and medical examiner reports to provide a clearer picture of homicides, suicides and other violent deaths in the U.S. In this session, the IACP will explore what NVDRS can do for law enforcement. NVDRS data can support law enforcement by providing analyses of emerging trends and timely issues and revealing geographic patterns and “hot spots” of violent deaths to inform and guide violence prevention strategies. Participants will gain insights into how NVDRS supports a more comprehensive approach to understanding and preventing violent deaths for more effective deployment of law enforcement, optimized use of public safety resources, stronger and more targeted crime policies, and ultimately, healthier and safer communities.