Implement PSN grant activities in the Southern District of California

The Fiscal Year (FY) 21 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program for the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Southern District of California expects to be awarded an amount of approximately $185,384 for a project period expected to run from about October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024.

SDCA’s PSN program will utilize evidence-based interventions and promising approaches to support neighborhoods in creating pathways for long-term violence reduction strategies. SDCA is comprised of two counties that are the geographic focus areas: San Diego and Imperial. Recent reports [https://www.bestplaces.net/crime/county/california/imperial] reflect that the violent crime rate in the Imperial Valley is somewhat lower than the national average. While San Diego County’s violent crime rate mirrors the national average, it is experiencing an increase in gang activity and gang-related crimes such as shootings and retaliation attacks, and thus merits increased attention.

SDCA’s PSN Task Force seeks to support projects that will bolster prevention programs and law enforcement activities. Prevention programs will include, but are not limited to: prevention, mentoring, counseling, instructional programs, or restorative practices that provide services to at-risk youth located in high violence, gang-ridden communities. With most gang affiliation starting before high school, SDCA has devoted prevention efforts to youth at high risk for gang associations. Law enforcement activities will include programs that curb gun and gang violence and the availability of weapons in high-risk populations and high crime areas. This may include targeting gangs and violent street groups, geographic hot spot areas, felons in possession, and/or chronic violent offenders. The PSN Task Force will focus its enforcement efforts on the most violent individuals as well as specific SDCA neighborhoods where gangs are prevalent and/or where violent crime is rising. Additionally, the PSN Task Force will continue to support funding a research partner to ensure that it is able to measure outcomes and implement effective evidence-based strategies.

SDCA’s PSN Task Force will provide leadership and oversight to the project design and implementation plan to successfully meet the goals and objectives required in creating safer neighborhoods. SDCA’s PSN Task Force is made up of local law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders and key partners include the San Diego County City Attorney and District Attorney’s Offices, the Imperial Valley District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County Probation Dept., the U.S. Probation Dept., the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), ATF, and Social Advocates for Youth.