FY 2009 Project Safe Neighborhoods - Northern District of WV

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide commitment to reducing gun crime, links existing local programs together and provides them with necessary tools. PSN 1) takes a hard line against gun criminals, using every available means to create safer neighborhoods; 2) seeks to achieve heightened coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement; and 3) 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 YWCA of Wheeling, serving as the fiscal agent for the Northern District of West Virginia, will use the grant funds to support firearm-related initiatives. Specifically, key elements will include providing investigative resources to law enforcement personnel; increasing the number of defendants prosecuted for firearms violations and gun-related crimes; increasing public safety in and around schools through education and outreach; and developing and delivering appropriate statewide training programs for local law enforcement, judges, probation and parole officers, investigators, and district attorneys regarding the key provisions of state and federal firearm statutes. The YWCA of Wheeling and the PSN task force will continue to partner with the appropriate local, state, and federal agencies in an effort to successfully implement the PSN strategy. The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with the PSN steering committee and task force, will coordinate the planning and implementation of this initiative.

NCA/NCF