Gang Elimination Task Force Project

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 Maryland State Police will continue the Gang Elimination Task Force, focusing on reducing the criminal activity of gangs operating in and among the States of the Mid-Atlantic Region. The goal of the project are to reduce gang violence, prevent recruitment and formation of new gangs, improve the coordination of local and State law enforcement and prosecuting agencies, and provide standardize training across each of the seven participating states. The participating States in this program are Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Maryland State Police will oversee the management of the project, including the hiring of personnel, purchasing equipment, and providing training.

NCA/CF