Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2008, $1,788,696)
The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.
The University of Memphis will continue to support the Operation Safe Community project, a crime abatement initiative developed by the top government and law enforcement leaders from across Shelby County in partnership with private sector and community leaders. They will: expand access to crime mapping and crime analyses within the Shelby County Sheriff's Office; expand investigative surveillance and tracking capacity at the Memphis Police Department (MPD) to target serious repeat offenders and organized crime, especially gangs, and other organizations; provide advanced training for MPD investigators on surveillance and tracking equipment and advanced crime analysis and mapping.
The University of Memphis will acquire additional proprietary databases to enhance crime analysis and expand partnerships with community analysts leading to crime reduction. In addition, gratn funds will be used to expand the use of video surveillance for crime reduction in high crime areas; enhance information technology available to the Shelby County Drug Court staff; expand the number of non-violent drug offenders admitted to the Shelby County Drug Court Treatment program; and develop a county-wide comprehensive gang reduction strategy. Finally, the University of Memphis will launch a complementary MPD Crime Awareness communications campaign to raise citizen awareness about efforts they can undertake to reduce crime.
NCA/NCF