PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS 2.0

The Attorney General announces the anniversary of the launch of PSN 2.0

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis–Josh J. Minkler, the United States Attorney, announced the Attorney General’s renewed commitment and dedication to stemming the gun violence epidemic through the launch of Project Safe Neighborhoods 2.0 (PSN).

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “We know that the more effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs. I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face.  Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.”

In the Southern District of Indiana, the Justice Department’s commitment has yielded strong and continued partnerships across law enforcement and newly cultivated relationships with non-traditional partners aimed at recognizing the district’s violent crime challenges and taking action steps to reduce the number of non-fatal shooting victims.

United States Attorney Minkler and a team of criminal Assistant United States Attorneys led by Deputy Chiefs of the Criminal Division Barry Glickman and Todd Shellenbarger have demonstrated steeled determination to target the district’s most violent, habitual gun-toting felons for federal prosecution. This renewed focus has yielded 180 federal PSN cases investigated in large part by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Evansville Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation created a new group comprised of one special agent and three task force officers to complement the district’s PSN work and augment resources devoted to gun violence victims and important PSN investigations.

In addition to increased number of criminal prosecutions, the Department awarded in excess of $2 million in grant funds to agencies and organizations within the district whose focus is aligned with PSN:

United States Attorney Minkler’s efforts including conceptualizing a PSN Strategic Plan and a non-traditional outreach portfolio have been recognized nationally and locally, culminating in a national nomination of the district’s PSN Task Force efforts.

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