Northern Virginia Gang Task Force

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 City of Manassas Park will serve as the fiscal agent for the grant to support the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force. The Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional task force formed to combat gang crime in Northern Virginia and further provide prevention and intervention services to at risk and gang involved youth. Gang violence and organized criminal gang activity remains a threat not only in Northern Virginia, but across the region and the United States. Enforcement and prevention strategies to address gang activity remain a challenge and a necessity for the Task Force. Northern Virginia, as an extension of the densely populated metropolitan region of Washington, DC, has all the ingredients for violent gang growth and organized activity if left unattended.

The Task Force will continue its active and proactive enforcement efforts across the Northern Virginia region and work in partnership with federal agencies to combat and prosecute organized gang and drug-related crime, while at the same time continue prevention and intervention programs for the region. Prevention and intervention services will be implemented through a liaison with a multi-disciplinary regional prevention team and through a direct outreach service for youth and families.

NCA/CF