Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $112,822)
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 Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDPS), serving as the fiscal agent for the District of Nevada, will use the grant to support two projects in southern Nevada where gun crimes constitute a serious threat to citizens and tourists on a daily basis. The NDPS will provide funding to the Clark County District Attorney's Office (CCDA) and the Nevada Youth Alliance (NYA) Neighbor-to-Neighbor Coalition. A part-time paralegal within the CCDA will be hired to focus specifically on the prosecution of gang-related crimes. This position will provide: trial support; additional assistance in researching and responding to writs, motions and other legal pleadings; provide a conduit for law enforcement to request the review of cases approved against gang members who are identified as extremely dangerous or active; and will overall be a vital component of the prosecutorial success of the conviction process of gang members. The NYA will use their portion to fund Phase II of their Neighbor-to-Neighbor Coalition Project which began with funding from the 2008 PSN grant. The goal of this phase is to complete the second year pre- and post-evaluation for a minimum of two neighborhood coalitions in the most violent zip codes in Southern Nevada. This goal will further be met by increasing the community involvement and establishing links with community agencies and resources necessary to provide support and intervention and prevention for youth at risk of or involved with gangs and their families, with an outcome of measurable reduction in the incidences of gang-related violence.
NCA/NCF