NCJ Number
217250
Date Published
2005
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This issue features four individual articles focusing on State or local crime prevention initiatives in the areas of gun control, public housing, neighborhood restoration, and delinquency prevention.
Abstract
In Maryland, the Wicomico EXILE project was initiated to reduce the high level of gun crime. The initiative was the result of Wicomico County having the third highest gun-crime rate per capita for the State of Maryland. Since its inception in July 2003 through March 2005, 260 firearm cases have been prosecuted, 192 have been closed, 107 have resulted in guilty verdicts, and 68 are still pending. All but seven of the convictions resulted in incarceration. In Kansas City, MO, the Public Housing Safety Initiative (PHSI), a Federal grant program designed to assist in the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of violent crimes and drug offenses in public housing areas is paying off in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The PHSI has allowed the law enforcement community to partner in a way that has resulted in reducing crime within the community’s public housing area. In Springfield, IL, nearly 200 kids enrolled in the Junior Police Academy. Taking place at the Springfield Police Department Training Academy, the junior academy sessions focus on building character through education within a structured environment using positive role models. Lastly, in Bristol, TN, the Workcamps project is a beautification program where youth from different States work on houses throughout the Weed and Seed neighborhood. They make minor repairs, build handicap ramps, and more. The program functions as a good public relations campaign for the site and gets local college students involved. This issue of Creating Safer Communities focuses on successful programs that provide for safer communities while protecting the public.