The Town of Rowland Police Department (RPD) has a total staff of 11, including 10 officers, serving a population of 885. The RPD reports a recent overall increase in the per capita violent crime rate along with specific increases in incidents of shootings and robberies. Additionally, the RPD reports a per capita property crime rate that exceeds both the North Carolina state and national rates by a significant margin.

With limited front-line staff, Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative (RVCRI) funding will help address capacity concerns while allowing a focus on both intervention and prevention work. Comprehensive Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) efforts are proposed that include new programs for youth and families, and services for victims of crime in the community. Such programs could include positive youth engagement activities, community-oriented policing, introducing violence interrupters to decrease gang retaliation and establishing mental health services for victims of crime. To support project administration and implementation, the RPD is partnering with the North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center. Color of Life, LLC will support project activities specific to community outreach and engagement with a focus on de-escalation of gang conflicts. with individuals in the field along with an increased number of service referrals and follow-up.