Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program for the Eastern District of Virginia

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program aims to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety in the Eastern District of Virginia. With approximately $500,000 in federal funding, this initiative focuses on innovative and evidence-based strategies to combat gun violence and gang activity. It encourages collaboration between law enforcement, local communities, and various stakeholders. Key funding areas include Group Violence Intervention, Gun and Gang Crime Investigation, Firearms Analysis, and Prevention and Reentry Programs, all designed to foster safer communities.

Background
The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $500,000 in federal funds through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program. The PSN program awards federal funds to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime using a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies. As the State Administrative Agency (SAA), DCJS has the responsibility of managing the coordination and distribution of PSN funds in a manner that supports and improves the overall criminal justice system of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Focused Funding Areas
The overall goal for this initiative is to reduce violent crime and promote safe communities across the Eastern District of Virginia through the reduction of gun violence and gang activity, with special focus on areas with increased rates of violent crime/gang activity. Toward that goal, the program seeks to fund projects that will enhance progress toward the below priorities. However, innovative, evidence-based projects outside of these priorities, which are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence, will also be considered.
Group Violence Intervention (GVI)
Strategies and programs that promote prevention and intervention by forming partnerships between law enforcement, local government, and the community. GVI includes community members with moral authority connecting with group members or individuals susceptible to violence to deliver a credible moral message against violence. Law enforcement puts groups on prior notice about the consequences of further group-involved violence for the group, and support and outreach providers make a genuine offer of help for those who want it.
Gun and Gang Crime Investigation/Suppression
Programs (or task forces) to focus on perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes. This can include the illegal possession of firearms, the illegal sale of guns, or other crimes committed to benefit a “gang.” Multiagency cooperation should be demonstrated (e.g., both state and federal involvement).
Firearms Analysis
Programs that should enhance and provide support for state and local law enforcement agencies that analyze firearms and ballistic evidence (including NIBIN analysis and tracing of firearms).
Prevention and Reentry Programs
Programs dedicated to violent crime prevention and the identification of persons at high risk of offending (e.g., educational, faith-based, community-oriented, outreach, etc.). Additionally, programs dedicated to the successful reentry of offenders with housing, educational, and vocational partnerships.