Statewide Firearms Intelligence-Led Policing 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 Massachusetts State Police will utilize fiscal year 2007 Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Category I Targeting Violent Crime funds to support costs associated with the Commonwealth Fusion Center which aims to examine firearm crime patterns and develop innovative firearm reduction initiatives. In order to facilitate the development and disbursement of high quality firearms data, using legacy data systems, staff overtime and on-going training in criminal justice research, publication of research and bulletins, and system developer salaries will be funded through the award.

CA/NCF