Ceasefire Project

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.

The City of East Palo Alto will build on the current prevention and suppression (enforcement) strategies used by the East Palo Alto Police Department's Operation Ceasefire. The project activities will: 1) increase the prevention and program services provided to 50 gang members and at-risk youth; 2) develop a unified message that will be communicated directly to members of 10 targeted gangs that communicates clearly that violence will not be tolerated in East Palo Alto; 3) conduct at least four calls-ins targeting 25 gang members; and 4) conduct at least 50 home visits of gang members on probation or parole for drugs and/or violence and offer services to provide viable alternatives.

NCA/NCF