Lowell Violence Reduction Initiative - Phase II

The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provide for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. This competitive grant announcement focuses on initiatives in eight areas: 1) preventing and reducing violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) providing funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hiring of civilian support personnel in law enforcement (training staff, analysts, dispatchers, etc.); 5) enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improving resources and services for victims of crime; 7) supporting problem-solving courts; and 8) national training and technical assistance partnerships.

Under category 1, City of Lowell, will use the FY 2009 Recovery Act Byrne Competitive funds to support the Massachusetts Police Department (LPD) in an effort to expand and enhance the current Lowell Violence Reduction Initiative (LVRI). The overall goal of the expanded LVRI is to reduce violent crime by 10 percent. Under the funds, the LPD will be focusing on the following goals and objectives: (1) utilizing crime statistics to make areas less suitable for criminal activity; (2) strengthening partnerships with state and federal law enforcement agencies to identify, target, and remove 'impact players' and facilitate information sharing, collaboration, and problem-solving; (3) preserving and creating jobs and promoting the local economy; (4) implementing proven strategies to engage community members to build trust, change perceptions of crime and provide opportunities for open discussions; and, (5) institutionalizing these problem-solving techniques to sustain efforts after funding is depleted.

CA/NCF