Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) 2007 Gun Crime Reduction Initiative

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide commitment to reducing gun crime, links existing local programs together and provides them with necessary tools. PSN 1) takes a hard line against gun criminals, using every available means to create safer neighborhoods; 2) seeks to achieve heightened coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement; and 3) emphasizes tactical intelligence gathering, more aggressive prosecutions, and enhanced accountability through performance measures. The United States Attorney in each federal judicial district will lead the offensive. The fiscal agent, in coordination with the PSN Task Force, will allocate funds throughout the community.

Grand Valley State University will use FY07 PSN funds to support initiatives that provide focused prosecution, expanded gun investigations, advanced use of technology, and collaborative community building and education in the Western District of Michigan. The District will provide funding for community initiatives, law enforcement and community educational programming, and technology.

Based on information collected by the PSN research partner, the three target areas identified for an increased focus were: 1) the City of Grand Rapids, whose firearm-related crimes center on gangs and drugs, as well as ease of access to firearms and hot spot activity; 2) Kalamazoo County, whose firearm-related crimes revolve around domestic violence and drugs; and 3) Calhoun County, with an emphasis on the City of Battle Creek, whose firearm-related crimes centered on drugs and ease of access to firearms.

NCA/NCF