FY 23 Project Safe Neighborhoods

FY 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)

Project Abstract

Proposed Project Period: October 1, 2023–September 30, 2026

The overall goal of the USAO-SC’s PSN Program is to promote safe communities across South Carolina through the reduction of gun violence and violent crime. Toward that goal, the program seeks to fund projects that will enhance progress toward the below priorities. However, innovative projects outside of these priorities, which are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence, will also be considered:

1. Focused Deterrence: Focused deterrence (or “lever pulling”) strategies that attempt to maximize law enforcement efforts by strategically and directly applying interventions and social service resources to individuals at high risk for recidivism. Strategies that combine strict enforcement with positive incentives by providing access to social services and support. 

2.  Gun and Gang-Related Crime Investigation/Suppression: Programs or task forces designed to target perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes. This can include the illegal possession of firearms, the illegal sale of guns or drugs, or other crimes committed to benefit a gang. Multi-agency cooperation amongst all levels of law enforcement should be demonstrated (both state and federal involvement).

3.  Firearms Analysis and Ballistics Technology: Programs designed to enhance and/or provide support for local and state law enforcement agencies to better respond to and investigate firearms incidents and analyze firearms and ballistic evidence (including NIBIN analysis and firearms tracing)

4.  Data Analysis/Research Partner: Programs designed to assess and validate the nature and extent of gun, gang, and/or gang-related crime in South Carolina. Data analysis to identify the drivers of violent crime/gun crime and assess the effectiveness of an agency’s violent crime reduction plan.

5.  Prevention and Reentry Programs: Prevention programs dedicated to violent crime/gun violence prevention, including the education of South Carolina’s youth and young men and women on the dangers and legal penalties associated with gun violence and the identification of persons at high risk of offending. Such programs may be educational, faith-based, and/or community-oriented and may include outreach work. Reentry programs dedicated to the successful reintegration of offenders to society with housing, educational, and vocational partnerships.

Continuation projects that have demonstrated success in prior years in accordance with predetermined project evaluation measures will receive priority. Otherwise, new and continuation projects will compete equally each year. In such a competitive environment, “need” and the use of effective data-driven strategies will be key factors for funding selections, in addition to evaluating performance results.

The USAO-SC’s PSN Program is a statewide initiative with a concentrated effort in its four main target enforcement areas: Charleston/North Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. The USAO-SC continues to engage a multitude of law enforcement partners throughout the district in its PSN Program, to include all federal law enforcement agencies, numerous state and local agencies, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the United States Probation Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS), and the 16 local solicitor’s offices (i.e., district attorneys) across South Carolina. These federal, state, and local partners are involved in the development and implementation of the District of South Carolina’s PSN strategies.