Project Safe Neighborhood/Anti-Gang Initiative - Central District of California

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 California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, serving as the fiscal agent for the Central District of California (CDCA), will use the grant to support enforcement, prevention, and re-entry programs that combat gun and gang violence. The CDCA has been plagued by the threat of gang violence, often related to illegal narcotics trafficking, for many years. These gangs are widely considered responsible for firearm-related crimes including homicide, violent crimes including firearm related offenses, and narcotics distribution.

The 2008 grant sub-recipients will be determined by the PSN task force. The selected applicants will first meet with the research partner, RAND Corporation, to individually devise statistical measuring mechanisms that will evaluate the efficacy of each program. Thereafter, each selected applicant will implement its program, providing statistical data to the research partner on an ongoing basis. The PSN task force will convene on a quarterly basis to meet with each sub-recipient to regulate compliance with the CDCA's PSN/AGI strategy and to obtain progress reports.

NCA/NCF