2008 Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

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 Texas Crime Commission (NTCC), serving as the fiscal agent for the Northern District of Texas, will use the grant to target gun, gangs, and violent crime. The grant will be used to fund the following law enforcement, outreach, and prevention initiatives: (1) overtime for the Dallas - Fort Worth Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team officers; (2) an NTCC program coordinator to manage the sub-grantee activities, conduct bi-monthly meetings, and complete and submit monthly progress reports; (3) a Boys and Girls Club Career Launch Director to provide career planning and training opportunities to at-risk youth; (4) Dallas Independent School District's 'Saturation Team' will provide enhanced police presence in targeted schools to deter gang activity; (5) a principal investigator and a program evaluator from the University of Texas-Arlington to collect and analyze project data; (6) a Safe City Commission project coordinator to oversee the Bright Futures Initiative and a campus coordinator to assist in the project; and (7) the Texas Offender Reentry Initiative will receive travel costs for staff to visit with program partners, attend community meetings, and visit with clients and their families.

NCA/NCF