Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program (Project Safe Neighborhoods)
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is designed to create safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in crime associated with gang and gun violence, and violent offenders. The program's effectiveness is based on the cooperation of local, state, and federal agencies engaged in a unified approach led by the U.S. Attorney (USA) in each district. The USA is responsible for establishing a collaborative PSN task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement and other community members to implement gang and gun crime enforcement, intervention and prevention initiatives within the district. Through the PSN task force, the USA will implement the five design features of PSN—partnerships, strategic planning, training, outreach, and accountability—to address specific gun and gang crime, and violent offenders, in the most violent neighborhoods. Details on the five design features (also referred to as core elements) can be found later in this grant announcement and online at www.ncjrs.gov/html/bja/205263/. The Department of Justice has transitioned the PSN program from a formula-based allocation of funding to a competitive-based program. In a competitive environment, “need” and use of more effective, intelligence- and data-driven strategies will be key factors for funding selections, in addition to performance results and other factors. Therefore, grant awards for FY 2013 will be made through a competitive process to encourage and focus funding in high-performing and evidence-based programs where the need is greatest and where the most violent neighborhoods, within districts, are being addressed. Funding for this initiative is anticipated through the FY 2013 appropriation.
Office: Office of Justice Programs
