Lynn Multi Agency collaborative to increase citizen safety, reduce violence, improve technology, and provide resources to youth

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The city of Lynn will use the FY 2010 JAG funds to support the Lynn Police Department (LPD) through the Lynn multi-agency collaborative to increase citizen safety, reduce violence, improve technology, and provide resources to youth. The LPD will utilize funding to increase police presence in hot spot locations with gang unit personnel. The goal of the unit is to reduce both crime and the fear of crime in those neighborhoods adversely impacted by criminal gang activity. Strategies include, but are not limited to, traffic enforcement, enforcement of city ordinances, warrant service, field interviews, and working with partners at the Department of Youth Services, Probation, Sheriff's Department, State Police, Essex County Regional Gang Unit, and other law enforcement agencies. The Gang Unit will utilize a multi-faceted approach during its daily operation, including gang suppression, field intelligence gathering, gang diversion, and community education.

A portion of grant funds will be used to improve the departmental technology capabilities through software upgrades and computer hardware replacement, as well as to increase data capabilities. In addition, the department will continue ongoing programs with Adult and Juvenile Probation regarding equipment and communications support for these departments, providing increased collaboration with these community agencies. Additional goals will target the youth of the city by supporting jobs programs administered by both the Lynn Housing and Neighborhood Development and Lynn Community Development agencies that have a direct impact on the reduction of gang crime and violence.

NCA/NCF