What is Weed and Seed?
Weed and Seed is a U.S. Department of Justice initiative which began in 1991 when 21 pilot sites across the nation were selected to implement the strategy. Operation Weed and Seed is a multi-agency strategy that "weeds out" violent crime, gang activity, drug use, and drug trafficking in targeted high crime neighborhoods and "seeds" the target area by restoring these neighborhoods through social and economic revitalization. The Weed and Seed strategy recognizes the importance of linking and integrating federal, state, and local social services, the private sector, and community efforts to maximize the impact of existing programs and resources. Residents are empowered to assist in solving problems in their neighborhoods. Representatives from the private sector, as well as local community involvement, are pivotal partners in the Weed and Seed strategy.
Weed and Seed - Four Components
Weed and Seed is a comprehensive response to crime and neighborhood deterioration. Its four components are:
* Law Enforcement
*Community Policing
*Prevention, Intervention and Treatment
*Neighborhood Restoration
Law Enforcement and Community Policing represent the 'weeding" aspect of the strategy. Community Policing focuses on improving the relationship and accountability between law enforcement and residents. Prevention, Intervention, Treatment and Neighborhood Restoration represent the "seeding" components.
Developing the Weed and Seed Strategy - Six Basic Stages
Stage 1 Organize and convene a Weed and Seed Steering Committee
Stage 2 Select or confirm the designated neighborhood
Stage 3 Conduct a community assessment of the designated neighborhood
Stage 4 Select priorities and strategies to address neighborhood challenges
Stage 5 Select goals, objectives and major tasks
Stage 6 Develop an implementation plan
U.S. Attorney's Role
At each site, the U.S. Attorney plays a central role in Weed and Seed. Because of their leadership role in law enforcement and status as the local DOJ representative, U.S. Attorneys are uniquely positioned to serve as both the main contact to Weed and Seed sites for the Community Capacity Development Office, and facilitator of community-based coalitions and cooperation. The U.S. Attorney provides support to each site by:
- assisting with Steering Committee formation by encouraging community leaders, law enforcement officials, service providers and residents to cooperate, form partnerships, and commit to serving on Weed and Seed Steering Committees.
- assisting with developing Weed and Seed strategies by chairing or working closely with Weed Subcommittees.
- reviewing site applications for Official Recognition and providing support to the Community Capacity Development Office.
Northern District of Texas Weed and Seed Sites
Active Weed and Seed Sites (currently receiving funding)
- Pleasant Grove Weed and Seed, Dallas, Texas
- Two-Points Ferguson Road Weed and Seed, Dallas, Texas
- Northside Fort Worth Weed and Seed, Fort Worth, Texas
- East Arlington Weed and Seed, Arlington, Texas
Graduated Weed and Seed Sites (continue programming/participation beyond the five-year DOJ-funding)
- Southeast Fort Worth Weed and Seed, Fort Worth, Texas
- West Dallas Weed and Seed, Dallas, Texas
- South Dallas Weed and Seed, Dallas, Texas
- Ferguson Road Initiative Weed and Seed, Dallas, Texas
- Dalworth Weed and Seed, Grand Prairie, Texas
Contact Information:
For more details on Weed and Seed, the application process and related reference and technical resources, check the Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/welcome_flash.html
If you are interested in applying for Weed and Seed Status in the Northern District of Texas or need further information, please contact this office's Law Enforcement Coordinator, Dow Croyle, at Dow.Croyle@usdoj.gov