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 Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police will utilize fiscal year 2007 Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Category I Targeting Violent Crime funds to form a multidisciplinary task force to combat violent crimes in areas identified through law enforcement intelligence and data. The task force aims to specifically reduce street gang violence and drug-related violence, arrest fugitives wanted for crimes of violence, and provide education through community outreach and public awareness programs. Goals will be obtained through undercover investigations, the targeting of superiors and subordinates of gangs, search and seizure warrants, and community crime prevention awareness campaigns and hotline numbers.

CA/NCF