AS CITIES SEEK NEW APPROACHES TO PUBLIC SAFETY, NEW BLUE IS A NATIONAL POLICE FELLOWSHIP CREATING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

The program, currently accepting applications for its fourth cohort of officers, partners with the University of Virginia to offer a Certificate in Leadership to all participants

CHICAGO, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New Blue is a national incubator for collaborative action between police and the communities they serve. Through our New Blue-UVA Batten Fellowship, officers of all ranks and community members work together to build sustainable and impactful solutions to the most pressing challenges in the justice system, enhancing the policies and practices of local law enforcement agencies. New Blue Fellows, their agencies, and the communities they serve are creating a shared vision of public safety.

A Proven Track Record of Impact

Since its inception in 2020, New Blue has supported fellows who have spearheaded initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships between police and the communities they serve. The program has gained national recognition from law enforcement professionals and community leaders for its ability to foster innovative solutions while building a network of law enforcement dedicated to advancing public safety in a more effective manner. In his welcome remarks at New Blue's 2024 convening, Larry Snelling, Superintendent of Police for the Chicago Police Department, said it is "refreshing to see people from law enforcement who are just dedicated to rebuilding these relationships, keeping communities safe, and just protecting the people who deserve protection. It's going to help us achieve our goal of public safety."

A Transformative Fellowship

"New Blue is an innovative and inspiring program that empowers police professionals with the tools to drive positive transformation in policing. As a strong advocate for community collaboration and meaningful connections, I eagerly applied for this opportunity to join like-minded colleagues committed to proactively improving perceptions of policing while building and sustaining community trust. The networking opportunities and access to untapped resources have been truly invaluable."

- Sheryl Victorian, PhD, Chief of Police, Waco, TX and 2024-2025 New Blue Fellow 

New Blue offers a unique blend of academic learning, real-world application, and direct collaboration with community stakeholders. Fellows work with New Blue's PhD research team throughout implementation, and are offered the opportunity to secure start-up funding for their proposed solutions. Upon completion of the program, New Blue Fellows earn a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Virginia'sFrank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy Foundation.

"In policing there aren't a lot of opportunities for fellowships for academic learning and field application. So, to have an opportunity to network with other officers from around the country, to hear their ideas, to work together on innovative [solutions], to foster hope…to make large-scale sustainable change…that's what [New Blue] is all about," said Sgt. Meg Hamilton of Madison, Wisconsin, a 2022 New Blue Fellow.

The application for the 2025-2026 New Blue-UVA Batten Fellowship is now open. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through March 12th, but space is limited. Interested agencies and officers should visit newblue.org/apply

New Blue is an incubator for police to collaborate directly with their communities, developing solutions that build trust through policy and practice.

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SOURCE New Blue