Vermont's FY09 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant

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 Vermont Department of Public Safety, serving as the fiscal agent for the District of Vermont, will use the grant to target gun crimes through the support of a state police liaison investigator. The investigator currently works directly with the ATF and the U.S. Attorney to refer gun law violation cases for federal prosecution. Also, an anti-gang intelligence gathering program designed to reach all correctional facilities in Vermont has been established. Funding will allow the investigator to conduct intelligence gathering operations from the state's prison inmate population.

NCA/NCF