BJA FY 07 Anti-Gang Initiative

The Anti-Gang Initiative provides funds to support new or expanded anti-gang enforcement and prevention efforts under the existing Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Initiative. These new funds may be used by the PSN task force to combat gangs by leveraging current strategies and partnerships developed under PSN initiatives or may be used to develop new anti-gang initiatives. The Anti-Gang initiative will be led by the United States Attorney in each of the 94 federal judicial districts across America. Grant funds will be awarded to a single fiscal agent in each of the 94 districts. The fiscal agent, in coordination with the PSN task force, will allocate the funds throughout the community to support the anti-gang initiative in that community.

The Eastern District of Oklahoma will utilize their FY 2007 Anti-Gang Initiative grant to support law enforcement efforts to combat youth and gang violence in the 26 counties that compose the Eastern District. Prosecuting gang members in federal court will be a major focus in this initiative. The Eastern District's strategy is to coordinate with the U.S. Attorney's Office and local law enforcement to share information and strategies regarding firearm-related crimes at monthly task force meetings; document and catalogue gang-related drug and firearm-related violent crimes by using approved forms and reports; distribute monthly hot sheets enhancing awareness of gang-related and drug and firearm-related violent crimes within the district; photograph and document where graffiti is found and attempt to identify the gang by the graffiti; coordinate media campaigns; and arrange speakers at schools and community functions, with the intent of deterring juveniles from becoming the next generation of violent offenders.

NCA/NCF