Anti-Gang Strategy for the Western District of Arkansas

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.

Arkansans for a Safer Arkansas, serving as the fiscal agent for the Western District of Arkansas, will use the grant to educate at-risk youth and offer alternatives to gang life and continue a coordinated enforcement effort among local police and federal law enforcement agencies. The target area for anti-gang activities is Northwest Arkansas, including Sebastian, Washington, and Benton Counties. Plans are to make presentations in the elementary and middle schools on the consequences of gang participation and positive alternatives to the gang lifestyle and to organize a community anti-gang task force to sponsor structured after-school activities for youth. Law enforcement will receive training on practices that facilitate the successful prosecution of cases and the importance of coordinating enforcement efforts and intelligence with neighboring law enforcement agencies.

NCA/NCF