FY 2008 Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang Initiative in Western New York

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide commitment to reducing gun crime, links existing local programs together and provides them with necessary tools. PSN takes a hard line against gun criminals, using every available means to create safer neighborhoods; seeks to achieve heightened coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement; and 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 Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), serving as the fiscal agent for the Western District of New York, will use the grant to support the Rochester and Buffalo communities, who both serve as models for intelligence-led policing and research-based decision-making. RIT will provide awards to agencies that use best practices as a guiding tool in developing programs and objectives. Programs will focus on youth and at-risk populations and social service providers will be essential in the efforts in addressing gang violence especially those that engage youth.

In Western New York, the cities of Buffalo and Rochester have reported an increase in gang presence and a high rate of violence that is focused around gangs. Gang members are more likely to engage in criminal activity, more likely to carry guns, and are more likely to be both offenders and victims of violence. To combat this situation, RIT has worked with several community organizations and law enforcement agencies that have developed anti-gang strategies and will establish an independent committee to develop solicitations, review proposals, and make recommendations regarding funding.

NCA/NCF