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Press Release
Press Release
ATLANTA – Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.
“According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action,” said United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.”
“Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.”
“Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer,” Sessions said.
“The Northern District of Georgia has actively participated in Project Safe Neighborhoods since its inception,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “PSN produced a marked reduction in violent crime in communities in metro Atlanta, where it has been implemented. Just last year, the PSN program awarded a $499,899 grant to the Brookhaven Police Department, Chamblee Police Department, and the DeKalb County Police Department to reduce gang violence in those jurisdictions. The strategy is data-driven and our research partner, Applied Research Services, has a long history of involvement with this program. Finally, the grant includes funds for Rehoboth Baptist Church to provide services to youth to try to prevent them from becoming involved with gangs and crime.”
“The PSN strategy has proven to be effective in reducing gun crime and gang violence.,” said Chief Gary Yandura, Brookhaven Police Department. “The Brookhaven Police Department has used the PSN grant funds received last year to strengthen our anti-gang strategy. Joining forces with Chamblee Police Department and the DeKalb County Police Department, as well as our federal partners and our research and prevention partners, has resulted in significant and strategic investigations that will ultimately reduce gang violence in our communities.”
The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.