2009 Northern District PSN

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 Iowa Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy, serving as the fiscal agent for the Northern District of Iowa, will use the grant to support local efforts to: create safer neighborhoods by reducing gun violence and gun crime and sustaining that reduction; reduce the occurrence of violent gang-related incidents through both reactive and proactive efforts supported by enforcement planning coordinated with federal, state, and local law enforcement and informed by data and intelligence; and reduce the occurrence of youth gang-related incidents and increase positive outcomes for youth at high risk for gang involvement through targeted, evidence-based prevention. Targeted areas include Black Hawk County/Waterloo, Woodbury County/Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City. The designated PSN prosecutor in Black Hawk County will work closely with felony drug and probation prosecutors, the Waterloo Police Department, and the Tri-County Task Force on identifying and prosecuting violent offenders. The police department will use overtime for officers to investigate and develop gun cases for prosecution. The 6th Judicial Department of Correctional Services in Cedar Rapids will pre-screen for gang involvement new offenders entering their treatment facility and share data with the Sheriff's Office. Woodbury County deputies and Sioux City police officers will participate in multi-agency gang sweeps and investigate gun crimes.

NCA/NCF