Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2021, $121,494)
On behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin (USAO), the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), the State Administering Agency (SAA) and fiscal agent, requests funding for a 36-month project to build on existing efforts addressing violent crime in the Western District of Wisconsin.
The PSN grant strategy and geographic focus of the grant-funded activities primarily involves the City of Madison, however, FY21 PSN grant funds will also be sub awarded to surrounding agencies. Madison is in the greatest need of comprehensive violent crime reduction efforts. Violations of 18 U.S.C. §§1951 and 924(c), are some of the most violent in our community. The United States Attorney’s office is committed to prosecuting these offenses and holding offenders accountable. The USAO also vigorously prosecutes felons who possess firearms and ammunition.
The district’s largest city is Madison, which has a population of 259,680 (U.S. Census estimate 2019) and is in Dane County. It is Wisconsin’s second largest city and one of its fastest growing. Our PSN Target Enforcement Area (TEA) encompasses the greater Madison area, and the USAO has a very strong working relationship with the Madison Police Department (MPD), surrounding local law enforcement agencies, state and federal agencies, and Dane County District Attorney’s Office.
The USAO has also been working closely with law enforcement throughout the district to address their needs. La Crosse, Wisconsin, has been experiencing violent crime (mostly related to drug activity) significantly disproportionate to a city their size. Janesville and Beloit, both in Rock County (which is between Madison and Illinois), have historically been hot spots for violent crime. Because of that, the police departments in those three cities have applied and received funding under the 2019 and 2020 PSN grants. While they are not TEA’s, those departments have valued our relationship, outreach, and case outcomes. Funding will continue to support their operations.
The USAO and MPD have chosen several key partners, including city and county agencies that have formed the Community Safety Intervention Team. The group includes representatives of the mayor’s office, Madison PD, multiple city and Dane County agencies, the Madison Metropolitan School District, Focused Interruption Coalition, UW Health and nonprofits.