Western District of Oklahoma FY 2009 Project Safe Neighborhoods 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 Oklahoma District Attorneys Council, serving as the fiscal agent for the Western District of Oklahoma, will use the grant to fund an experienced Assistant District Attorney (ADA) who will prosecute gang crimes in Oklahoma's District 7. The District Attorney's Office for District 7 is responsible for Oklahoma County, which includes the largest metropolitan area in the state. This area has seen a proliferation of gang crimes. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, there are more than 87 different gangs currently operating in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with more than 5,000 documented gang members. The project goals are to have the grant funded ADA prosecute 33 felony gun cases in Oklahoma County and refer 60 gang-related cases to the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal prosecution.

NCA/NCF