2009 Project Safe Neighborhoods Program

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 Maine Department of Public Safety, serving as the fiscal agent for the District of Maine, will use the grant to support aggressive enforcement and prosecution strategies, accompanied by a multi-tiered outreach campaign aimed at educating all Maine citizens of the consequences of illegal gun possession and the sale of firearms to prohibited persons. The district's outreach component will consist of the following initiatives: distribution of the booklets titled 'Federal Firearms Law Summary' and 'Federal Domestic Violence Statutes and Elements for Federal Prosecution' to the public, state and local law enforcement, defense attorneys, and high school students; dissemination of the Gun Sellers Awareness Campaign through the continuation of a media campaign and printed kits for gun sellers; and training for administrators and materials for the Project Sentry juvenile and school safety initiative. In addition, funds will be allocated to existing multi-jurisdictional violent crime task forces in eastern and central Maine.

NCA/NCF