Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a national initiative by the United States Department of Justice to reduce gun violence in the United States. The project is a partnership designed to develop, implement, and evaluate data-driven violence reduction strategies in communities, and improve the long-term prevention of gun violence. Project Safe Neighborhoods was established in 2001 through support from President George W. Bush.[1] The program expands upon strategies used in Boston's Operation Ceasefire, and in Richmond, Virginia's Project Exile.
PSN initiatives typically involve United States Attorneys working with local law enforcement to implement programs such as: Gang Crime Investigation and Suppression, Prevention and Education, Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.), and Data Sharing and Gathering. Each local strategy incorporates the three national priorities:
- Increased prosecution of violent organizations.
- Heightened enforcement of all federal laws.
- Renewed aggressive enforcement of federal firearms laws.
Since 2001, over $1.5 billion of federal dollars have been allocated to support Project Safe Neighborhoods.[2] Funds have been used to hire additional prosecutors, and provide assistance to state and local jurisdictions in support of training and community outreach efforts.[3]
References
- ^ Bush, George W. "Letter from the President".
- ^ "Project Safe Neighborhoods: FAQs". U.S. Department of Justice.
- ^ Committee on Law and Justice (2004). "Chapter 9". Firearms and Violence: A Critical Review. National Academy of Science.