A Message from the Watts Family Director

As the Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety (CVPCS) celebrates over six years of service, research, and outreach, it is rewarding to look back on the many ways we have worked to meet this responsibility. 

ASU’s CVPCS seeks to have long-term, reciprocal relationships with local, state, national and international organizations for the purpose of increasing community capacity to diagnose and respond to violence crime.  As a consequence, of primary interest to the Center is conducting use-inspired research that advances the scholarly knowledge and practical application of explanations and solutions to the causes and correlates of crime, to reduce violence, and improve the quality of life of our community. 

I would like to extend special thanks to the Mike and Cindy Watts, who graciously donated a $3 million gift.  The endowment has and will continue to make a significant contribution to this community and its criminal justice agencies. 

I hope that you will take the time to review our website for more information on our many accomplishments and current projects—all designed to bring a greater quality of life to our community.

Charles M. Katz, Ph.D.

Watts Family Director

Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety