United States Attorney’s Office pledges additional resources to the fight against violent crime

Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative focuses federal resources on the most violent areas of Marion County with an emphasis on gun crime

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis -United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler and Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced a renewed federal commitment to helping reduce violent crime in this country’s most violence-ridden neighborhoods. The Southern District of Indiana will receive one additional Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to focus exclusively on violent crime, one of 40 new federal prosecutors in 27 selected locations around the country.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative will focus the new AUSA’s attention, on prosecuting violent offenders as well as assigning an AUSA to each of IMPD’s six districts to monitor and prosecute the worst violent offenders in our neighborhoods.  Further, PSN will focus on coordinating federal, state and local resources under the leadership of Minkler, featuring prevention, targeted law enforcement and accountability.

“It is no secret that Indianapolis is struggling with violent crime.  Our homicide rate is unacceptable and together, we can do something about it,” said Minkler.  “Criminals who choose to use guns and other means of violence to disrupt our city should think again because gun crime comes with big federal prison time.”

“I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding next year because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime,” said Sessions.  “Under this program, I am both empowering and holding United States Attorneys around the country accountable for results.”

"Our Indianapolis gun violence will only be impacted with the collective help of our community and law enforcement partners,” said IMPD Chief Bryan Roach.  “We continue to be blessed with a cooperative mindset and willingness to improve the city of Indianapolis from our United States Attorney's Office.  We look forward to the continued partnership and a new AUSA focus on our geographic districts and most violent offenders." 

In addition to the Southern District of Indiana, other states receiving new attorneys include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Washington DC, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges.  This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with the District’s law enforcement agencies to detect and prosecute matters involving violent crime in our neighborhoods.  See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan  Section 2.9.

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