Crown Heights Ceasefire Program

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, Fund for the City of New York will use the FY 2009 Recovery Act Byrne Competitive funds to support the Crown Heights Community Mediation Center with the Crown Heights CeaseFire (CHCF) Program. The Mediation Center will use the funds to assist the CHCF in its efforts to reduce gun violence in the neighborhood by: 1) diverting high-risk individuals away from gun-crime related activities and linking them to responsive services; 2) developing and distributing public education materials to promote community intolerance of gun violence; 3) mobilizing the community around gun violence prevention efforts; 4) engaging faith-based leaders in anti-violence activities; 5) providing workforce development services for high risk individuals; and 6) facilitating data sharing and collaborative problem-solving among criminal justice partners. Overall, the program will stimulate the economy by creating or preserving 9 jobs, as well as creating a safer environment for commerce and overall economic development.

CA/NCF