Community Prosecution and Crime Reduction to Secure Milwaukee's Neighborhoods

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Safe & Sound will use their 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to fund the Community Prosecution and Crime Reduction to Secure Milwaukee's Neighborhoods Project. Safe & Sound and the Milwaukee District Attorney's Office have developed an advanced working relationship that focuses on criminal activity and juvenile delinquency in the highest-crime neighborhoods of Milwaukee. Community stakeholders, including residents, law enforcement, and at-risk youth, will identify the problems to address. With the help of Safe & Sound and the D.A.'s Community Prosecution Teams (CPUT), stakeholders engage in a collaborative process which generates an understanding of the complexity of crime issues at the neighborhood level. These collaborative efforts seek the most efficient and just means of addressing crime problems afflicting the community, ultimately stabilizing neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for residents. Resident concerns are heard, resources mobilized, issues brought to resolution, and offenders held accountable before and after returning to the community. This approach addresses causes and repairs the harm of drug, gang, and gun crime. The project will also support four after-school Safe Places that engage youth in youth-led crime reduction strategies, as well as drug, alcohol, and gang prevention projects.

NCA/NCF