NCJ Number
255818
Date Published
October 2020
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This fiscal year (FY) 2020 Annual Progress Report for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) reviews the elements of and resources provided for PSN, as well as achievements of particular state PSN districts.
Abstract
In 2001, the U.S. Department of Justice launched PSN as a nationwide effort to reduce violent crime, and it was reinvigorated in 2017. PSN is based on the principle that law enforcement agencies and communities must cooperate in addressing violent crime. PSN emphasizes data-driven strategies that focus on the most violent offenders and locations where violent crime is prevalent. Although PSN programs across the country address the circumstances underlying violence in each district, all PSN programs have the five elements of 1) leadership by the district's U.S. Attorney in convening all partners; 2) partnerships that involve law enforcement and community representatives; 3) targeted enforcement efforts; 4) violence prevention; and 5) accountability for goal achievement. All 94 U.S. Attorney's Offices have active PSN programs. A report on PSN results for the period 2000-2006 indicates that PSN program sites have experienced a 4-20 percent reduction in violent crime, compared to a 0.9-percent reduction in violent crimes in non-PSN locations. The Justice Department has awarded just over $18 million in grant funds to support PSN programs in fiscal year 2019 and nearly $18 million in fiscal year 2020. In 2019, $1 million was used to support comprehensive and tailored training and technical assistance to PSN districts. Examples are provided from various PSN districts to show the many forms of leadership provided by U.S. Attorneys, as well as strategies used by specific PSN districts to reduce violent crime.