NCJ Number
203667
Date Published
2003
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This document presents contributions to the network against gun violence.
Abstract
Various programs across the Nation are described that contribute to the prevention of gun violence. Alabama ICE (Isolate the Criminal Element) investigates and prosecutes gun crimes and concentrates on dangerous criminals. Alaska’s Project Safe Neighborhoods helps to spread the message to chronic offenders and to young people the severity of Federal penalties to gun crimes. The District of Arizona employs extensive prosecution strategy to address expansive geography, the international border with Mexico, and drug and gun trafficking. Community involvement and a plethora of partners enable an Arkansas task force to impact gun crime in certain areas and make neighborhoods safer. The Central District of California has used Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) as a tool to develop a strategy for addressing criminal organizations engaged in violent crimes. Colorado focuses on the goal of “changing the culture” of criminal activity by deterring violent criminals from possessing and using firearms in the commission of crimes. Connecticut has implemented the Gun Project and the Core Group in three of its major cities to reduce recidivism rates among felons. The District of Columbia’s United States Attorney’s Office focuses on hot spots and gun crimes. Delaware’s Operation Disarm focuses prosecution effort and undercover investigative strategy on underlying sources of illegal guns. Florida aims to reduce firearm violence and illicit gun trafficking through its Operation HALT (Handguns/Ammo/Longguns Trafficking) the Violence! initiative. Georgia has created an extensive task force to reach out through education, updated databases, and increased coordination between local, State, and Federal agencies. A major focal point for the United States Attorney’s Office in Guam has been communication among enforcement and prosecution agencies about gun cases and gun trafficking. Through strong partnerships with county prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agents, the United States Attorney’s Office in Hawaii is working to ensure that any gun-related arrest will result in prosecution at the appropriate level. These are a few of the programs contributing to the prevention of gun violence in this country.