Project Safe Neighborhoods
Launched in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a national program that unites federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, community leaders, and other stakeholders to identify and address violent crime through research-based and data-driven strategies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in each of this nation’s 94 federal judicial districts manages the PSN program for that district, with the goal of focusing national resources and coordination efforts on local violent crime problems. To accomplish that goal, each U.S. Attorney’s Office devotes staff and resources to supporting PSN’s four pillars: community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused enforcement, and accountability.
On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice enhanced PSN by establishing new core principles: building community trust, supporting community-based organizations for violence prevention, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes. The Department also emphasized that PSN’s fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not to increase arrests or prosecutions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is proud of its ongoing work with law enforcement and community partners to develop and support flexible strategies and enforcement efforts to curb violent crime in West Michigan.
Violent Crime
In addition to community engagement and outreach, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan coordinates with state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the District to identify and prosecute cases. The offenses most often involve the illegal use or possession of firearms. The Office seeks to bring cases against violent offenders who drive violence in and disrupt their local communities.