Who receives SEARCH technical assistance?
We assist local, tribal, county, regional and state agencies, including: Law enforcement and public safety; first responders; prosecution and defense; adjudication; detention, corrections and probation; as well as collateral disciplines such as drivers' licensing, vehicle registration, public health and social services.
How does SEARCH determine whether a jurisdiction receives assistance?
An agency or jurisdiction requesting technical assistance must submit a
Technical Assistance Request Form and any pertinent supporting documentation. Our staff will review the request and contact you or your representative to discuss the nature and scope of assistance, and the specific objectives. From this review and discussion, we will evaluate our ability to provide the assistance, and assess the level of effort required and resources available. Based on our assessment, we will either accept or decline the request. For requests that are declined, we will provide a written explanation of the factors that led to our decision. For requests that we accept, we will contact your agency and begin to schedule the assistance.
Does SEARCH offer grant funding for our Information System Project?
No. SEARCH's multifaceted program of technical assistance is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Justice and enables SEARCH to provide assistance to justice agencies without charge. SEARCH does not provide funding to agencies or award subgrants to state or local agencies seeking funding of particular programs or technologies.
How soon will I receive assistance?
After review and approval of a technical assistance request, SEARCH schedules assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis. We make every attempt to fulfill your request as soon as SEARCH staff consultants have time available. If the technical assistance is handled in-house, it can usually begin within three weeks from the time we receive your request. On-site assistance, by its very nature, requires much more planning and scheduling. Due to the enormous popularity of the program, it may take a month or more to schedule an on-site time that is convenient for SEARCH staff and key people in your jurisdiction.
