African Immigrant Muslim Community Outreach Program (AIMCOP)

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 Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD) will use the FY 2009 Recovery Act Byrne Competitive funds for the African Immigrant Muslim Coordinated Outreach Program (AIMCOP). The AIMCOP will engage in several strategies designed to prevent radicalization, reduce violent crime, and increase crime prevention. The funds will be used to meet the following goals: (1) establish targeted outreach to the Muslim/Somali community to gain its trust; (2) expansion of the Police Athletic League program within St. Paul to serve youth age 8'14; (3) administer tailored programming to include mentoring, basic skills, and life skills programs for ages 8'22; (4) hire an advocate who will offer crime prevention activities to the community and victims; and, (5) identify and intervene with individuals at risk of radicalization, gang involvement, and violent crime.

CA/NCF