FY 2009 PSN Southern District of Ohio

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 Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, serving as the fiscal agent for the Southern District of Ohio, will use the grant to maintain coordination between federal and state prosecutors in Hamilton County, continue aggressive enforcement against entrenched gangs and conduct community outreach in areas affected by gang violence, and support a regional directed patrol for gun crime. Federal and state prosecutors will continue to review gun cases to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecution and will work with Hamilton County suburban law enforcement agencies regarding case processing and development. Aggressive enforcement activities will include surveillance, investigation, and intelligence gathering in Columbus, Hamilton, and Dayton. Meetings will be conducted in targeted areas of Dayton and Hamilton to strengthen police and community working relationships. A regional directed patrol for gun crime will be established by the Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and Trotwood Police Department. This suppression and deterrence effort will include two officers from each participating agency and a sergeant from the Dayton Police Department. The primary objective is to reduce the number of gun crimes and armed robberies in targeted areas.

NCA/CF