FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award Program

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.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office will utilize FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award funding to target gun related crime with an emphasis on gang activity and the transporting of illegal firearms. It is estimated gang membership in Suffolk County has increased to over 5,000 members in more than 42 gangs within the past decade. As these numbers rise, so does the criminal activities these gangs are known to participate in. In an effort to combat this epidemic, the District Attorney's Office will support specialized training for attorneys and investigators to effectively investigate and prosecute targeted cases, undercover surveillance of suspected illegal firearm transports, and a school based program aimed at preventing youth from gang involvement.

NCA/NCF