Shasta Anti-Gang Enforcement (SAGE) Coalition

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 Redding Police Department will use Fiscal Year 2007 Byrne Discretionary Targeting Violent Crime Initiative funding to reduce gang activity and prevent a future influx of gangs into Shasta County, as well as to educate the community and law enforcement on the recognition of gang activity and behavior. The Shasta Anti-Gang Enforcement (SAGE) Coalition will use funding for officer overtime to conduct operations and to enter information gathered into the CAL/GANG database. SAGE officers will also work with community groups, provide regular presentations to schools about gangs and identifying at-risk youth, and provide services in order to prevent future gang involvement.

CA/NCF