When we first started researching the possible addition of protective order notifications to Virginia VINE—Victim Information and Notification Everyday—we began by asking a question: How do victims find out when a protective order has been served? The answer? Call your local law enforcement agency and ask. While that’s certainly an option, it’s not especially effective and it leaves the victim with a lot of uncertainty. How long will it take? How often should I call? Imagine worrying about what the person’s reaction will be when served and not having any sense of when that might happen.

“When it comes to policing, good training saves lives, period. You get out what you put in.” These words were spoken by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson in a 2023 press conference discussing training that helped Dallas police reduce violent crime. I came across this quote as part of research for this year's grant proposals that Lynda Schwartz, NCPI’s Executive Director, is currently devoting every waking moment to preparing and submitting ahead of some very short deadlines. Although that particular grant proposal has been long submitted, this quote has stuck with me.

Despite all the issues with reliability, often, memories are the most important thing we have. Why? Because memories are the stories of us, individually and collectively. Good or bad, accurate or accurate-ish, they help shape perspectives, and the way we see the world – not just in retrospect but right now in this very moment.

If your goal is to just scratch through an item on your to-do list and move on to the next, then maybe a shortcut is worth the risk… but if it’s something that matters... think twice. Shortcuts always have consequences. Pursuing a shortcut for a quick result is an acceptance up front that something is lost long-term. A shortcut is an exchange – inevitably trading opportunities, capacity-building, even effectiveness for short-term gains. Opting for a shortcut shortchanges yourself for short-term results.

Names matter and getting them right is important. There is lots of research that points to the psychology associated with naming things. Naming something gives us a sense of understanding and even control over it. It also signifies value and importance. At NCPI, we know that names matter. So much so, that after 25 years, we recently changed our own name.

“What do you want to talk about?” This question is one of our favorites at NCPI. It’s often accompanied by a giant grin on the face of the person asking the question. It’s often received with laughter. And it always marks the beginning of something exciting.