Southern Maine Violent Crime Task Force

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 Portland Police Department will utilize fiscal year 2007 Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Category I Targeting Violent Crime funds to support costs associated with the Southern Maine Violent Crimes Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional team consisting of investigators from the municipalities of Portland, Biddeford, South Portland, and Scarborough, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Marshal's Office. The task force aims to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of limited resources while expanding communications and cooperation in response to incidents involving violent and gang related crime. Through the initiative, funds will be applied specifically to costs incurred for investigator overtime and training, and the purchase of crime analysis software and equipment.

CA/NCF