Gun Violence Reduction Initiative

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 Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, serving as the fiscal agent for the District of Maryland, will use the grant to dismantle violent gangs and drug organizations. Firearm crime and other weapons violations continue to be a significant problem within the district and most gun violence continues to exist within the jurisdictions of Baltimore City and Prince George's County. Most firearms-related violence is committed by violent repeat offenders who are closely associated with the continuing emergence and existence of criminal gangs, cultural gangs, and drug crews.

The Prince George's County Firearms Interdiction Task Force, Baltimore Firearms Trafficking Task Force, and Eastern Shore Regional Gun Trafficking Task Force will acquire the following items to assist in their enforcement efforts: mobile data computers with software to allow field use; ballistic shields/body bunkers for protection from armed violators; ram entry tools (battering rams), Hallagan entry tools (pry bars), tactical sledge hammers, and tactical bolt cutters to assist task force officers in expeditiously gaining entry to houses and other secure locations to make apprehensions and recover firearms during the threat of being fired upon; and Level IIIA ballistic vests to protect officers against large caliber or rifle projectiles. Maryland State Police will utilize PSN funds to engage in task force enforcement efforts on an overtime basis.

NCA/NCF