Phase 6

Focus group interviews provide an efficient and effective way to gather an array of diverse practitioner perspectives while identifying individuals to include in the strategic planning session at the end of the process. A methodical approach to the delivery of these interviews ensures that each region is asked the same type of questions in a similar manner.

Timeline
Dependent upon the number and location of focus group interviews (Virginia Project – 6 weeks)

• The Virginia project team conducted six focus group interviews with approximately 20-25 people per interview, in six locations throughout the state at the rate of one per week. One to two days of preparation time was required prior to each session.

Outputs

• Agenda and Focus Group Materials
• Focus Group – post interview report
• Thank you letter to focus group participants

Key Considerations

• Enlist the support of a facilitation team to increase the sponsor’s ability to actively listen and network with the public safety community in attendance and
• A facilitation team, made up of the members of the core project team, can standardize the approach to data collection and serve as a neutral party in collecting perspectives about politically sensitive issues and criticism of current systems in place.

Tasks

• Confirm Expectation with the Conference Facilities
• Research Potential Hot Issues for Each Regional Focus Group
• Enlist an Unbiased Team of Facilitators to Conduct the Focus Group Interviews
• Reference Best Practices in Conducting Focus Group Interviews
• Clarify the Purpose and Outcomes of the Focus Group Interview
• Create Graphics and Visual Displays to Facilitate the Interview Process
• Visually Capture the Insights and Perspectives of the Participants
• Listen for Patterns and Trends Across Regions
• Scan Focus Group for Key Practitioners Who Can Represent Each Region at the Final Strategic Planning Session
• Anticipate the Consequences of Your Public Relations Efforts and the Growing Awareness of the Strategic Planning Effort
• Thank Participants

Resources
The following resources were mentioned as tools that will help you conduct the focus group interviews in Phase IV:

• Appendix S: Strategies for Facilitated Sessions – This information provides guidance and useful tips to the facilitator who is conducting the focus group interviews.
• Appendix T: “Talking About Interoperability” Graphic – This visual is useful in building a common understanding for the definition of interoperability during the focus group interviews.
• Appendix U: Sample Gameboard Graphic – The gameboard is an additional visual that facilitates the conversation of the focus groups.
• Appendix V: Weblink to Introduction to Compendium – The document provides guidance on the conversation mapping tool that was used in Virginia.
• Appendix W: Weblink to Sample Focus Group Report – The sample focus group report presents a standard format in which the focus group results can be systematically shared with the entire stakeholder community.
• Appendix X: Sample Thank You Letter – This letter provides an example of the note that can be shared with meeting participants at the conclusion of the focus group interview.