FY 2009 Project Safe Neighborhoods ' Western District of Texas

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 Texas Office of the Attorney General, serving as the fiscal agent for the Western District of Texas, will use the grant to continue strategies aimed at preventing and prosecuting violent gun and gang-related crimes. Key elements involve the funding of prosecutors to evaluate, file, and prosecute gang-related crimes in both state and federal court in the Bell, Bexar, and Travis County areas. In addition, funds will support the work of mentors with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of El Paso, who will serve as role models to actively educate and support the pro-social behaviors of at-risk youth, and sheriff's deputies in Bexar and Medina Counties tasked with identifying and documenting gang members and enforcing laws will be funded. The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with the PSN task force and sub-grantees, will coordinate the planning and implementation of the grant funded initiatives.

NCA/NCF