The Northwest Virginia Regional Gang Task Force

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

Clarke County will use its $1,000,000 of funds to support the Northwest Virginia Regional Gang Task Force (NWVARGTF) to address issues specific to anti-gang programs. The goals of the Regional Gang Task Force are as follows: 1) to counter gang-related violence and property crimes in the region by utilizing numerous resources to identify, apprehend and prosecute gang offenders; 2) to work closely with federal agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute gang members responsible for violent crimes; 3) to gather and disseminate intelligence information through the Uniform Crime Reporting System, and other databases; 4) to continue to promote Gang Awareness by conducting presentations developed for schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and civic organizations; and 5) to continue enrolling Gang Task Force investigators in advanced gang-enforcement seminars and specialized training, offering investigators knowledge and access to the latest technologies and strategies for identifying and documenting gang offenders.

NCA/NCF