Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $100,724)
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 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, serving as the fiscal agent for the Middle District of Tennessee, will use funds to support the operations of the Gun Unit within the District Attorney General's Office for Davidson County. The unit serves core law enforcement and prosecution functions under the local PSN initiative, through which violent felons committing gun crimes are identified shortly after arrest and their cases reviewed for possible federal prosecution or enhanced state adjudications. Because of ongoing resource shortages within the District Attorney's Office, including funding for personnel, grant funds are necessary to maintain a prosecutor dedicated to coordinating these efforts. Through the grant, the salary and benefits of a full-time Assistant District Attorney will be supported for an 18 month period.
NCA/NCF