NCJ Number
207498
Date Published
November 2004
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report presents an overview of the U.S. Department of Justice's Operation Weed and Seed, including its major components and elements, key players, and how to become a Weed and Seed site.
Abstract
In 1991, Operation Weed and Seed, a community-based multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and neighborhood restoration was established by the U.S. Department of Justice. Operation Weed and Seed is administered by the Community Capacity Development Office, Office of Justice Programs. The Weed and Seed strategy consists of a two-pronged approach: (1) law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" criminals from the designated area and (2) "seeding" brings prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization services to the area. There are four components of the Weed and Seed strategy that include: law enforcement; community policing; prevention, intervention, and treatment; and neighborhood restoration. Key elements of the Weed and Seed strategy consist of a Steering Committee to provide a governing structure for the initiative and a strategic plan to assess community problems and needs, develop sound resolutions and response, and secure the necessary resources and participation. There are many key players needed for the success of this operation, such as Federal, State, and local law enforcement and prosecutors, the U.S. Attorney's office, residents, the Weed and Seed coordinator, businesses, faith-based organizations, and youth-serving organizations. To become a recognized Weed and Seed site requires the commitment by the community to engage in planning, collaborating, and coordinating programs and services.