Lowell Smart Policing Initiative (LSPI)

This program is funded under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The JAG Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG Program authorization also states that "the Attorney General may reserve not more than 5 percent, to be granted to 1 or more States or units of local government, for 1 or more of the purposes specified in section 3751 of this title, pursuant to his determination that the same is necessary-(1) to combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime" (42 U.S.C. 3756).

The Smart Policing Initiative seeks to build upon the concepts of offender-based and place-based policing and broaden the knowledge of effective policing strategies. The most convincing research demonstrates that place-based or hotspot policing reduces violent crime and neighborhood disorder. This initiative addresses the need for effective policing that requires a tightly focused, collaborative approach that is measurable, based on sound, detailed analysis and includes policies and procedures for accountability. This grant program seeks to build upon data-driven, evidence-based policing by encouraging state and local law enforcement agencies to develop effective, economical, and innovative responses to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime within their jurisdictions.

The city of Lowell will use Smart Policing funds to design the Lowell Smart Policing Initiative (LSPI). LSPI will be tailored to specifically focus on areas struggling with drug and drug-related crime. Program goals will be achieved by identifying and characterizing specific criminogenic circumstances within targeted areas; utilizing evidence-based strategies to include law enforcement crackdowns, problem-oriented policing techniques, and civil remedies; deterring individuals from committing drug and drug-related crime; evaluating the program to ensure its effectiveness; and publishing program results to assist other jurisdictions with implementing similar initiatives. Specific grant funded activities will include the support of overtime costs for officers assigned to enforcement efforts, salary for staff tasked with identifying the targeted areas, compiling statistics for evaluations, and disseminating information, and a contract for a research partner who will help to identify crime trends and develop new strategies, as well as conduct a process and impact program evaluation.

CA/NCF