Guam's FY 2009 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program

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 Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans, serving as the fiscal agent for the Guam District, will use the grant to conduct anti-gang and violence prevention presentations aimed at children, young adults, and the community as a whole through the implementation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T) Program. Funds will be dispersed for G.R.E.A.T. officer salaries and benefits, training for these officers, media equipment and a computer, office supplies, incentives, printing, and administrative costs. The PSN task force will network with both public and private schools to develop a schedule to conduct the G.R.E.A.T. Program curriculum in 26 elementary and 8 middle schools. Through its networking with the public and private schools, students will have the opportunity to learn and develop the life skills necessary to avoid delinquent behavior and violence and become productive members of the community. In addition, the PSN task force will coordinate with the Guam Public School System to conduct the G.R.E.A.T. with its alternative programs specifically targeting troubled or high at-risk students, along with teachers and parents to discuss issues of gang violence and ways of adopting non-gang lifestyles in order to divert these youths from the Juvenile Justice System. The PSN task force will also develop an effective outreach education and awareness program with key community stakeholders on the dynamics of gang involvement and other related youth violence to deter and reduce youth-related violence on Guam.

NCA/NCF