Providing
REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
for East Texas

ETCOG will host a free, three‑day Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigator Course (SAFVIC) on April 22–24, 2026, at the ETCOG offices located at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore. The course will run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is open at no cost to all licensed East Texas peace officers. Course topics include: History and statistics related to sexual assault and family violence Dynamics of abuse Applicable laws Investigative techniques Effective courtroom performance Drug‑facilitated sexual assault Stalking Community response and coordination Victim support resources SAFVIC, taught by ETCOG’s Special Projects Director, David Scott, Ph.D., is designed to better equip officers with the training and tools necessary to respond effectively to sexual assault and family violence cases. Participants will receive 24 hours of TCOLE credit (Course #3264) upon completion. Officers who have their TCOLE Intermediate Certificate will be eligible to receive the Sexual Assault/Family Violence Investigator Certificate from TCOLE upon completion of this course. The training may also be taken in lieu of Special Investigative Topics (TCOLE #3232) and the Trauma‑Informed Approach to Sexual Assault Investigations Courses (TCOLE #470 & #4070). The SAFVIC program is a statewide initiative aimed at strengthening law‑enforcement response and ensuring victims receive trauma‑informed, professional assistance. Officers interested in attending can learn more at www.safvic.org or contact training@safvic.org or (800) 848‑2088. For questions, contact David Scott at David.Scott@etcog.org .

At its February meeting, the East Texas Council of Governments Executive Committee awarded the City of Longview and the City of Winnsboro as this year’s recipients of the Veteran-Friendly Community Designation. The Veteran-Friendly Community Designation program was created in 2025 to recognize communities that actively welcome and support veterans and their families by meeting real needs in everyday life. In its first year, ETCOG designated the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County as the program’s inaugural Veteran-Friendly Communities. A Veteran-Friendly Community is defined as one that provides ongoing support in areas including employment, housing, transportation, health care, education, and overall quality of life. Communities seeking designation were required to meet established standards, including: Provide proof of community and organizational support. Submit a comprehensive community profile with key information for veterans and their families, including demographics, housing, and healthcare access. Maintain a community development strategy that directly addresses veterans’ needs. Complete an initial and annual self-assessment to identify service gaps and guide improvements. “Recognizing Longview and Winnsboro as Veteran-Friendly Communities reflects the real work these cities are doing for the men and women who served our country,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “Veterans deserve more than words of thanks. They deserve access to jobs, healthcare, housing, and support systems that help them build strong lives at home. These communities are setting the standard for what that looks like in East Texas.” “Programs like this help communities take a clear look at what they’re doing well and where they can grow,” said ETCOG Special Projects Director David Scott. “It’s about making sure veterans can live, work, and raise families in places that value their service and invest in their future.” With continued interest from communities across the region, ETCOG plans to reopen the application process annually to allow more cities and counties to pursue the Veteran-Friendly Community Designation.