Secure funds from the Gun Violence Reduction Grant (GVRG) before the April 18 deadline
Join Chief Mitchell from University of Maryland and Chief Collington of Bladensburg PD for a timely and impactful conversation on how Maryland law enforcement agencies can strategically apply for the SFY 2026 Gun Violence Reduction Grant (GVRG) — with up to $100,000 available per award.
This webinar will walk attendees through the purpose and priorities of the GVRG program, successful strategies for leveraging grant funding to reduce firearm-related crime, and how technology plays a critical role in prevention and prosecution. You’ll hear real-world examples of how departments are using technology like gunshot detection systems and case management tools to enhance public safety, build trust, and make data-backed impact.
During this webinar, you will:
- Understand eligibility and application requirements ahead of the April 18, 2025, submission deadline
- Learn how to frame your proposal around high-impact violence reduction and measurable outcomes
- Explore how GVRG funds can be used for technology, personnel, prosecution, and more
- Hear lessons learned and success stories from local law enforcement leaders
Watch On Demand
Speakers
Chief David B. Mitchell, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, University of Maryland College Park
Chief David B. Mitchell brings over 52 years of law enforcement experience, having served in leadership roles at the local, state, and university levels. He began his career with the Prince George’s County Police Department, rising to Chief of Police in 1990, where he implemented Community Policing and achieved national accreditation. In 1995, he was appointed Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, leading the agency for eight years, including during the 9/11 attacks and the Beltway Sniper case. He later served as Delaware’s Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security before taking on his current role as Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety at the University of Maryland. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and National Executive Institute, Chief Mitchell holds degrees in Technology & Management, Public Policy/Financial Management, and Law, specializing in representing the families of fallen officers. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland.
Chief Tyrone Collington, Sr., Chief of Police, Bladensburg Police Department
Chief Tyrone Collington, Sr. was sworn in as Chief of Police for the Bladensburg Police Department in 2020 after serving as Deputy Chief and a 21-year tenure with the Takoma Park Police Department, where he rose to Commander/Captain of Patrol Operations and served as Acting Chief. His distinguished law enforcement career has earned him numerous awards, including the Medal of Honor, Medal of Valor, and Supervisor of the Year. A U.S. Army/Reserves veteran, he retired as a Staff Sergeant after 22 years of service, including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Collington holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University, is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Command and Police Staff, and has completed advanced leadership training with DHS, LEEDS, and IACP. Actively engaged in professional organizations, he served as 2024 President of the Police Chiefs’ Association of Prince George’s County and is a member of IACP, MCPA, MML, and NOBLE.
Jack Pontious, Regional Director of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, SoundThinking
Jack Pontious brings over 25 years of public safety sales, sales management, channel development and new business development experience to SoundThinking. Today, Pontious heads up the SoundThinking Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regional sales team. Before joining SoundThinking, he served as Director of Government Sales at Xybernaut Corporation, Director of Sales at MFN, Inc. and was a Program Manager at Dell/EMC. Early on in his career, he was a co-founder and Vice President of an Internet Services Provider (ISP), specializing in the sales and integration of e-commerce and e-business applications, website development, hosting and dedicated internet connectivity services.
Jamie Algatt, Sr. Dir. of Solutions Team and Investigative Solutions, SoundThinking
Jamie Algatt delivers a vast and diverse experience of over 20 years in the public safety industry, specifically in the law enforcement space. Jamie possesses expertise in web-based, cloud native solutions for public safety utilizing windows and mobile platforms for delivery. His unique combined technical expertise and vast operational knowledge has proved invaluable in the industry. As the Senior Director of Solutions Team and Investigative Solutions, Jamie works closely with customers/partners, the sales team and the product team to meet the technical and functional requirements to solve problems.