Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative - Eastern District of Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma District Attorneys Council, serving as the fiscal agent for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, will use the grant to pay for an experienced investigator for the District 19 District Attorney's Office. The investigator will: coordinate and collaborate with the U.S. Attorney's Office and local law enforcement to share information and strategies regarding gang and firearm-related crimes at various intelligence meetings; deliver presentations at local schools and community functions, reaching approximately 300 youth and citizens with the intent of deterring juveniles from becoming the next generation of violent offenders; and document and catalogue gang-related drug and firearm-related violent crimes. Firearm, gang, and drug related crimes will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The project will also involve efforts to support witnesses who are sometimes hesitant to testify in court.

NCA/NCF