Violent Crime Initiative
As part of the Department-wide strategy to address a spike in violent crime during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, established the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI investigates violent crimes committed by gang members and associates to prosecute violent offenders and prevent further violence.
Beginning in September 2022, the Criminal Division announced a surge of prosecutorial resources to Houston, Texas through the VCI to address gang violence; followed by similar efforts in Memphis, Tennessee in November 2023; and St. Louis, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi; and Hartford, Connecticut in April 2024. The VCI employs a data-driven approach to identify and prosecute offenders who pose the highest risk of violence to their communities. The VCI includes dedicated prosecutors, agents, and analysts focused on tackling local violent crime in each city where the VCI operates. Leaders from the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with our law enforcement partners, also meet with community leaders in the cities where the VCI has been deployed to develop and strengthen relationships and community trust.