Targeting Violent Crime Initiative

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' (OJP's) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), furthers the Department's mission by assisting state and local jurisdictions in improving the criminal justice system and assisting communities in preventing drug abuse and crime. In fiscal year 2007, the Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program will focus on funding local, regional, and national efforts within six major categories: 1) targeting violent crime; 2) preventing crime and drug abuse; 3) enhancing local law enforcement; 4) enhancing local courts; 5) enhancing local corrections and offender reentry; and 6) facilitating justice information sharing. All categories combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime.

The Houston Police Department's Southeast Patrol Division will utilize the 2007 Targeting Violent Crime Initiative funds to support the Broadway Crime Reduction Initiative. This project will focus on the densely populated area in southeast Houston and will involve manpower from several divisions of the Houston Police Department; agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and cooperation from and coordination with numerous apartment complex managers including community organizations. This initiative will be conducted in three stages: (1) gather intelligence through crime analysis and undercover operations; (2) include proactive operations and follow-up investigations based on information provided by crime analysis; and (3) ensure a high visibility, high enforcement effort by uniformed units. Funds will provide additional manpower and shifts to supplement on-duty personnel.

CA/NCF