Project Safe Neighborhoods - Eastern District of North Carolina

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.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety serves as the fiscal agent for the Eastern District's FY07 PSN grant. The District has addressed adult firearm offenders through a series of enforcement strategies including call-in sessions, neighborhood canvases, and stricter prosecution. Despite these efforts, the District is experiencing an increase in crime such as bullying, drug trafficking, prostitution, street gangs, and gun violence which have become the most critical concerns. To combat this situation, the District will utilize its PSN funding by providing sub-grants to agencies to conduct the following activities: hire two resource coordinators to oversee programmatic activities; attend conferences and conduct a media campaign; print and disseminate educational materials to the public; sponsor a local 'Hoops for Hope' juvenile alternative program and provide personnel (e.g. teachers, mentors, and coaches), utilities, and rental space to implement the program; plan and develop three new PSN-designated sites; purchase operational supplies and equipment needed to administer the program; and provide vocational training and education for identified call-ins.

NCA/NCF